Blaine tourist attraction, the Plover, appears to be returning to service this month

BLAINE, Wash. — The City of Blaine announced yesterday, Thursday, August 8th, that the tourist attraction, a foot ferry named the Plover, is expected to resume sailing between the Blaine Marina and Semiahmoo Spit by mid-August. The Plover has been out of service since significant structural deficiencies were discovered during a bi-annual inspection by US Coast Guard Marine Inspectors during September of 2022.

The city contracted with Drayton Harbor Maritime (DHM), a non-profit organization that has operated the Plover for over 20 years, to perform the needed repairs.

It was announced in March that the Plover would return to service in June.

At a March 2024 Blaine City Council meeting, an agreement with Drayton Harbor Maritime to continue to maintain and operate the Plover was approved.

The Northern Light reported on July 31st (no paywall) that a disagreement between the city and DHM started in mid-May when DHM overspent the amount in its repair contract and did not meet the completion deadline agreed upon by both parties. DHM countered that the city had not reimbursed them for contracted work completed. It was reported that DHM would not sign the operation and maintenance contract until the issues were resolved.

A sign was posted at the Blaine Marina directing people interested in learning why the Plover was not operating as expected to call the City of Blaine.

In the coming days, we will be interviewing qualified candidates to captain the ferry, with the goal of continuing this cherished tradition.
While we had initially hoped to have the Plover running in time for the Drayton Harbor Maritime Festival, we now aim to have it operational by mid-August. The traditional route connecting Blaine Harbor to Semiahmoo Spit will remain unchanged.
– City of Blaine (August 8, 2024)

According to the City of Blaine website, the Plover was built in 1944 and operated for 20 years as a cannery launch before being converted into a day tug. A 7-year restoration effort to convert the Plover to a passenger ferry was completed in 1996 and the Plover returned to service as a foot ferry. It is the second oldest ferry operating in Washington State. Round trip fares are $5 for adults and $1 for children 12 and older. Children under 12 ride for free.