VIDEO: Last week on the job for Water Taxi captain who stopped runaway barge

That’s a King County TV clip about “Captain Dan,” whose last day with the King County Water Taxi is tomorrow. Capt. Dan (Krehbiel) had a big moment in the spotlight in November 2023, when he – while at the helm of M/V Doc Maynard – maneuvered the Water Taxi to keep a runaway barge from crashing into the downtown waterfront (WSB coverage here). Most recently he’s been on the Vashon Island run with M/V Sally Fox. But his true claim to fame is as the Water Taxi system’s first captain, 16 years ago; it’s grown in a big way since then, but now he’s sailing off into retirement. Read his full story on the Metro Matters website.

Blbl July 24, 2025 (5:57 pm)

Congratulations, Captain Dan! I’m sure you’ve gotten my family and I safely to work, school, and fun many times over the years. Thank you, and enjoy your well-earned retirement!

Karen July 24, 2025 (6:28 pm)

Thank you Captain Dan, enjoy your retirement 😊

Lauren July 24, 2025 (6:45 pm)

Thank you Captain Dan! We love riding the water taxi as a family and it’s always a big hit with all our out of town guests. Thank you for your service!

Lucy July 24, 2025 (6:45 pm)

Capt Dan!!!! I ride the water taxi 5 days a week. Thank you for your service to our community. I have said hello and thank you many many times to you and your crews. Thank you for literally saving the Seattle Aquarium. You are so appreciated!

Allen Bentley July 24, 2025 (10:06 pm)

Dear WSB:Just wanted to point out that your link to the Metro article on Captain Dan’s retirement was incorrect. It links back again to the story about the runaway barge, which is linked earlier in the article!

WSB July 24, 2025 (10:19 pm)

Fixed, thanks.

Me mama July 24, 2025 (11:22 pm)

The water taxi crew has always steps into action when they are needed. Whether it’s been boaters or divers in distress, or a crazy traffic or weather incident that snares downtown traffic… or a runaway barge! My sense is that Capt Dan’s attitude to step up to respond has permeated the entire staff. Love the water taxi SO much and thank him for his service and legacy.

Kevin July 25, 2025 (2:00 am)

Thank you and all the crews at the Water Taxi. As I’ve seen over the years, not only you but the entire crew at the Water Taxi are incredible people who care for everyone. How many people has the Water Taxi saved over the years? Thank you Captain Dan.

Rob July 25, 2025 (7:20 am)

We had the pleasure of having Captain Dan and his crew take us to work and back countless times when we lived on Vashon. What a great guy he is. Happy Retirement, Captain Dan!!