SEATTLE, Wash. — Troubled waters for ferry riders.
The Washington State Ferries service reported systemwide disruptions, Sunday, with several boats out of service all day.
There were no mechanical issues with the vessels. Instead, the ferry service simply lacked enough key crew members to safely operate them.
Tyler Thiery and his companion arrived at Colman Dock for a 6:50 p.m. ferry back to Bremerton, after the Seahawks game, only to find that the next sailing wasn’t until 7:45 p.m.
“I don’t have to work tomorrow, fortunately, for me. I think we’re just making the best of it,” Thiery said.
Service was disrupted after several ferry routes were reduced from two boats down to just one. Those runs included the Seattle to Bainbridge, Seattle to Bremerton, and the Mukilteo to Clinton routes.
Two of the four boats on the Anacortes to San Juan Island route were also pulled.
“We don’t take any of these cancellations lightly,” Washington State Ferries spokesman Justin Fujioka said.
Fujioka confirmed that, while the boats were mechanically fine, there weren’t enough crew members in key positions to operate the vessels safely.
“These are like the captains, mates, assistant engineers, chief engineers,” Fujioka said.
He explained that when those highly trained and credentialed workers call in sick or have a family emergency, the ferry service doesn’t have enough workers qualified to fill in for them.
Fujioka said they have started workforce development programs to grow that pool of workers. Riders, like Thiery, are eager to see that.
“I hope they mediate the issue, because I’m sure we’re not the only people who got stranded here and had no backup plan,” Thiery said.
Fujioka said the ferry service is trying to let riders know more quickly when there are delays and cancellations.
You can sign up for alerts on your smart phone or check their website.
©2026 Cox Media Group
