PIERCE COUNTY, Wash. — Ferry service has been restored to Anderson and Ketron Islands and Steilacoom in Pierce County after several days without service.
On Oct. 26, a mechanical problem disrupted service.
The ferry broke down on Saturday, leaving some riders stuck on the islands and others stuck in Steilacoom with no clear timeline for when they could get back home.
Pierce County said last week that the part needed to fix the Steilacoom II ferry isn’t available in the U.S., so they have to get it from Canada, adding another hurdle before service can resume.
The service is also not part of the state ferry system.
The county’s second ferry, the Christine Anderson, is currently in dry dock in Everett for Coast Guard inspections until November 6, which left riders stranded and scrambling to go to and from the island.
On Oct. 27, Pierce County announced that repairs were complete and normal ferry services have resumed.
The first run will depart from Steilacoom at approximately 3:15 p.m.
County staff will help facilitate traffic control on Anderson Island as service resumes. The ferry will operate as close to the normal schedule as possible for the remainder of today, including the single evening run to Ketron, the county said.
“We anticipate very high demand as service resumes, and many residents have an urgent need to use the ferry service. If you can delay your trip to maintain space for those with the greatest need, please consider doing so,” Pierce County Planning & Public Works said in a Facebook post.
Pierce County is currently looking into whether ticket agents can accept expired ferry tickets.
Additionally, the Pierce County Auditor’s Office, with the help of Planning & Public Works and Emergency Management, was able to take a tug boat to Anderson Island to still collect ballots.
“Nothing can stop democracy! Rain or shine, ferry or boat, we’re committed to making sure every ballot gets where it needs to go,” the auditor’s office wrote in a Facebook post.
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