Working Conditions Aboard the Matanuska

The Alaska Marine Highway System (AMHS) has announced an extension of the repair timeline for the ferry 'Matanuska', with its anticipated return to operational status now scheduled for January 31, 2022. The repairs have been complicated by unforeseen issues, including vendor delays and the need for extensive repairs by welders at the Ketchikan Shipyard, who have been working overtime to address the damaged steel structure of the vessel. In addition to the structural work, crucial maintenance on control systems, the waste heat boiler system, and generator repairs are also in progress. The 'Matanuska' typically provides essential ferry services between Bellingham, Juneau, Haines, and Skagway, among other destinations. However, this extended repair period means that Skagway will be without ferry service from January 8 through approximately February 5. Although Haines is set to receive ferry service from the 'Kennicott' on January 12, the vessel is not scheduled to dock in Skagway during this time. Consequently, a planned sailing of the 'Matanuska' to Bellingham on January 24 has been canceled. Passengers affected by this disruption are encouraged to either rebook for a later date or make alternative travel arrangements. AMHS reservation staff are proactively contacting affected travelers to offer guidance and assistance. To mitigate the impact of these disruptions, AMHS is exploring options for using the 'Tazlina' to provide ferry services to Northern Lynn Canal and surrounding communities. Updates on these alternative sailings will be communicated as soon as more information is available.

In a concerning incident reported on April 17, 2021, two engineering crew members aboard the ferry 'Matanuska' tested positive for COVID-19 during their journey from Washington state to Juneau. Fortunately, no passengers were determined to be close contacts. The situation unfolded while the ferry was en route from Bellingham to Ketchikan when one crew member started to exhibit symptoms. The captain acted swiftly, implementing the vessel's established COVID-19 protocols by placing the symptomatic crew member in isolation within his cabin, with the ventilation system turned off to minimize exposure. Upon arrival at Ketchikan Hospital, the crew member received a positive COVID-19 test result and was subsequently placed in isolation at a local hotel. Subsequent testing and contact tracing identified another engineering staff member who also tested positive. This individual remained aboard the ferry until it reached Juneau. Both crew members have been advised to isolate for a minimum of 10 days, as per state health guidelines. Follow-up testing is scheduled for April 21 in Ketchikan to monitor their health status.

On March 16, 2021, the Alaska Marine Highway System announced important updates to its ferry schedules following mechanical issues with the ferry 'Matanuska'. This technical setback led to the cancellation of the vessel's southbound service destined for Bellingham, Washington. In response, the 'Kennicott' was scheduled to recommence its operations from Ketchikan on March 18, providing an alternative for passengers traveling northward who were affected by the 'Matanuska’'s disruption. The 'Matanuska' undertook a trial run with a technician on board, departing from Juneau on March 17, with plans to assist stranded travelers in Haines and Skagway, and was expected to return to its regular service schedule thereafter. In the meantime, all affected passengers received timely notifications and were either rebooked or given refunds as necessary.