The Yakima ferry was immediately removed from service this morning after maintenance crews discovered signs of abnormal wear on the journal bearing, which supports the propulsion shaft. Ferry riders in the San Juan Islands should expect delays through the weekend and next week with the 144-car ferry out of service. Washington State Ferries is moving vessels to maintain service on the route. The available vessels have less capacity and are slower than the Yakima and will not be able to keep the regular schedule.
Starting Saturday, Oct. 8, the 34-car Hiyu will replace the 87-car Evergreen State as the inter-island vessel. The Evergreen State will then serve as one of the three vessels that sails between Anacortes and the islands.
The Yakima is currently in Anacortes and will be towed to Eagle Harbor today (Friday, October 7, 2011). WSF crews need to determine the extent of the damage to estimate the length of repair time.
Crews will remove the journal bearing and inspect the problem. A subcontractor will repair a new bearing and WSF crews will install it.