Crack shuts down ferry run

Ferry service on the Port Townsend to Keystone run has been suspended while Washington State Ferries repair the Klickitat that serves on that run.

Crews detected a crack in the hull of the vessel, where water seepage was detected Saturday. Today, ferry officials and the Coast Guard examined and rode the boat and determined the Klickitat should be taken out of service and repaired at a local shipyard.

The Klickitat is expected to enter drydock when space becomes available. Space is in high demand this time of year as vessels are being prepared for the summer season.

Ferry officials don't know how long the Klickitat will be out of service, nor what kind of repairs will be needed on the ferry. There are no spare ferries available to be used on the Port Townsend run, said Traci Brewer-Rogstad, director of marine operations. "We are working to review all options for service on this route as quickly as possible, but we are currently out of service," she said. "We hope the service suspension will be short."

During the disruption, ferry officials say, riders should use the Edmonds-Kingston and Mukilteo-Clinton routes. The multi-ride car and driver and passenger cards, as well as monthly passes, will be accepted on the Edmonds-Kingston route effective Tuesday.

The Klickitat is one of four state ferries built in 1927 and is one of the oldest class of vessels in ferry service in the United States.

Susan Gilmore: 206-464-2054 or sgilmore@seattletimes.com