SEATTLE — The Fauntleroy-Vashon-Southworth ferry run is playing catchup after a fuel truck got high-centered while driving onto a ferry Thursday morning. It led to delayed sailings and a 2-hour wait for some passengers.
“The natural gas truck got high-centered on the ramp and couldn't continue onto the boat,” said passenger Tony Willing who saw it happen. “And that blocked the way.”
A tow truck was brought in to help push the fuel truck onto the ferry and got it free just before 9 a.m. But the damage to the commute was done.
“I'm been down here about an hour and ten minutes,” said Willing.
KIRO 7 spoke to a fish delivery truck driver who was late with his orders.
“We've got customers over on Vashon Island we're delivering fish to and it'll be about an hour late,” said the driver.
Ferry workers use pins to set the onramp so that it's gradual for vehicles getting on and off the boat. WSDOT told KIRO 7 initially it looked like it was not set correctly. A full report is expected later Thursday.
A DOT spokesperson told KIRO 7 it doesn't happen often, but couldn't give specific numbers. While this was a problem at the dock, KIRO 7 has detailed other ferry issues and delays.
The ferry Tokitae has missed 28 sailings since it started service last June, like when it lost propulsion in April.
While Thurday's issue at the Fauntleroy dock was a big headache for some, others used it as an excuse to soak up the sun.
“I'm retired now,” said Bruce McDanel as he sat waiting in a convertible. “So this doesn't really bother me a bit.”