Salish repair completed; officials hope to have it operating this afternoon

Published 12:32 pm Thursday, June 9, 2016

PORT TOWNSEND­— Washington State Ferries are hoping to have the M/V Salish active on the Port Townsend-Coupeville route in time for its 2:45 p.m. sailing this afternoon.

A problem with the rudder assembly was discovered during a safety check this morning which resulted in the cancellation of sailings scheduled for 8:45 a.m., 10:15 a.m., 11:45 a.m. and 1:15 p.m.

At about noon, a ferries spokesperson said repairs were completed but the vessel needs to pass a Coast Guard dock test before it returns to service.

The needed repair was unrelated to a propeller problem which caused a three-week delay in the beginning of summer service, Ian Sterling said.

“We are hoping to have all this fixed in time for the afternoon rush,” he said.