Shortly after 9:30am this morning, Friday, June 16th, Whatcom County Public Works Ferry Division announced they had taken the Whatcom Chief out of service.
The reason for the unexpected service interruption was given as “issues with the island side rudder.”
Mechanics have been dispatched, and Lake Union Dry Dock has been contacted. No estimated time for restoration. Whatcom County Public Works Ferry Division
The last time issues with a rudder resulted in service interruptions were December 2016 and April 2017.
Click for more information
Update 10:53am: Officials reported, “Mechanics are on board & have identified the issue. We are currently sourcing parts for this repair per shipyard recommendations.”
Update 12:40pm: Officials reported, “Our mechanic team has made the repair, and the Whatcom Chief is undergoing sea trials to evaluate.”
Update 12:50pm: Officials reported, “Sea trials are complete and the Whatcom Chief is back in service.”