PORT ANGELES — President Donald Trump’s announcement that the U.S. and Canada have closed the border to non-essential traffic will not have an immediate effect on Black Ball Ferry Line service to Victoria, co-owner Ryan Malane said.
The Coho ferry’s departure horn reassuringly sounded from the Port Angeles dock off Railroad Avenue at 8:20 a.m.
The action was taken in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“At this point, we are very busy with Canadians returning home and commercial goods,” Malane said. “There are also U.S. citizens returning home.
“Right now, we are continuing to operate our two-sailing schedule.”
Trump issued the order in a 6:37 a.m. tweet.
“We will be, by mutual consent, temporarily closing our Northern Border with Canada to non-essential traffic,” Trump said.
“Trade will not be affected. Details to follow!”
Information on Black Ball ferry operations is available in a company statement issued Thursday at www.tinyurl.com/PDN-CohoUpdates.
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Senior Staff Writer Paul Gottlieb can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 55650, or at pgottlieb@peninsuladailynews.com.
