Vashon-downtown Seattle water taxi canceled this p.m.

Afternoon service on the King County Water Taxi Vashon Island/Downtown Seattle route has been canceled for today because the boat was damaged during the first sailing this morning. Some free bus service will be available from Pier 50 to the Fauntleroy dock this afternoon and evening.

At approximately 6 a.m. the propeller of the vessel Melissa Ann struck a piece of floating debris during the trip from Seattle to Vashon Island. The ferry returned to the dock at Pier 50 without incident.

This afternoon, staff will be at the dock to inform riders of the cancellation of ferry service and their transit options.

Metro Transit will have buses at Pier 50 scheduled to depart for the Fauntleroy dock in West Seattle at 4:30, 5:30 and 6:30 p.m. There will be no charge to ride these special-service buses. Riders can also use Routes 54 or 116 to get to Fauntleroy as usual.

The ferry service says it hopes to have the Melissa Ann repaired or a backup boat in place for resumption of service on Monday morning.