PUYALLUP, Wash. — The busiest route in the system for Washington State Ferries operated with a smaller boat for the Wednesday evening commute after damage to a propeller took a larger ferry out of service.
Divers inspecting a leak discovered broken and missing bolts on the Puyallup's propeller shaft, which apparently became wrapped with a cable or chain.
WSF took the 202-car Puyallup out of service on the Seattle-Bainbridge Island run, replaced first with the 124-car Issaquah and then the 144-car Hyak.
The ferry system said the Puyallup could be out for weeks for repairs.
"These items that get wrapped around the propeller can cause us some serious trouble," said Capt. Russell Fee, who was scheduled to work on the Puyallup but instead found himself on the replacement vessels.
Hazards for ferries include other vessels, logs and loose or improperly placed crab pots.
"The best strategy for any ship is a good lookout," Fee said, adding that many hazards can be just below the surface and difficult to spot.
In late October, the ferry Spokane struck a loose fishing net, fouling its prop.
KIRO
