Wsf-Cathlamet Vessel Reviews and Specifications

A recent investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has revealed that the master of the ferry 'Cathlamet' likely fell into a microsleep at the helm before a significant allision occurred on July 28, 2022, near Fauntleroy. The report, released on October 12, 2023, attributes an estimated $6.7 million in damages to this incident. According to the master, who had been dealing with a family member's declining health, he was getting only five to six hours of sleep each night. Both the master's account and that of the quartermaster indicate that he seemingly dozed off while operating the vessel and had no recollection of events immediately after the crash. While the NTSB report did not accuse the master of violating sleep policies, it highlighted that his insufficient rest over several nights heightened his vulnerability to extreme fatigue and potential microsleep episodes. Having joined Washington State Ferries (WSF) in 1985 and achieving his master status in 2007, the master chose to retire the day following the incident. Notably, he did not adhere to standard docking protocols, failing to decelerate the ferry, notify the terminal, sound the horn, or inform passengers about the impending arrival. Following the allision, the quartermaster reportedly heard the master ask, "What happened?" The NTSB concluded that the circumstances pointed to incapacitation due to microsleep, noting, “the master likely experienced a microsleep due to fatigue.” The report also pointed to a lack of vigilance from the crew, with the quartermaster reading a company memo rather than closely monitoring the master—a lapse that left the vessel susceptible to a critical point of failure. According to the findings, as the Cathlamet approached the Fauntleroy Ferry Terminal, the quartermaster did not actively supervise the master as mandated by company policy, missing the opportunity to intervene if the master became incapacitated. Investigators confirmed that there were no mechanical failures, and a new crew found the ferry's steering and propulsion systems functioning correctly post-incident. Additionally, the investigation ruled out any involvement of alcohol, drugs, or cellphone usage by the master. The ferry was operating on its regular triangle route between Fauntleroy, Vashon Island, and Southworth, having departed from Vashon shortly before 8 a.m. The master had been on board since 3:45 a.m. and relieved the chief mate before taking control at around 8:10 a.m. Initially, everything seemed normal as the ferry approached West Seattle. The master made contact with the engine room to prepare for a turn; however, after that, no further commands were issued from the deck. The master later recalled, “The next thing I know I hit, I hit the dolphin. That’s all I know.” A passenger standing on the deck recognized the imminent danger, moved away, and avoided injury as the area where he had been standing collapsed upon impact. The conclusions reached in this NTSB report align closely with findings from a prior internal investigation by Washington State Ferries, although the state's analysis did not provide a definite explanation regarding the master’s loss of awareness.

A recent investigation by Washington State Ferries has determined that the July 28, 2022, allision involving the ferry 'Cathlamet' was primarily due to the captain's loss of situational awareness, rather than equipment malfunction. This unfortunate incident occurred when the vessel veered off its intended path and struck dolphins at the Fauntleroy dock, resulting in significant structural damage estimated at $7.7 million. The 'Cathlamet' was subsequently sidelined for eight months, while the captain, with a career spanning from deckhand in 1985 to captain, resigned just one day after the event. The U.S. Coast Guard and the National Transportation Safety Board are continuing their investigation into this incident. The state report, released on March 30, 2023, has redacted the identities of the crew members involved. At the time of the accident, the ferry was on its journey from Vashon Island to West Seattle, with the captain expected to manage operations within half a mile of the Fauntleroy terminal. Colleagues reported that the captain preferred an approach from the south, but diagrams from the report indicate the vessel maintained a southern trajectory without deceleration, ultimately colliding with the south dolphin at 8:14 a.m. while traveling at a speed of 15 knots. Despite the investigative findings, the exact cause of the captain's loss of awareness remains unclear, as he has chosen not to respond to inquiries based on legal counsel. Testing conducted post-incident found no evidence of drug or alcohol use. After the collision, another watch captain, who was in a stateroom during the event, promptly entered the wheelhouse, seized control, and successfully maneuvered the ferry away from the beachfront to the dock. Fortunately, only one passenger sustained minor injuries, and one vehicle was damaged in the mishap. The ship was adequately staffed with Coast Guard-certified deckhands and navigating officers. However, it was noted that a quartermaster was distracted from lookout duties while engaged in reading a report concerning the Clinton-to-Mukilteo route. Furthermore, the state agency highlighted that while its training for deck officers adheres to domestic standards, it does not meet international criteria set for ocean-bound vessels. This has raised concerns about the navigational responsibilities and safety drills for officers, prompting plans to reinstate the higher training standards, which were cut back in 2012 for budgetary reasons, starting summer 2023.

The vessel 'Cathlamet', which suffered significant damage to its port side after colliding with a dolphin piling upon its arrival at Seattle's Fauntleroy Terminal in July 2022, has successfully completed its repair work. On March 2, 2023, Everett Ship Repair (ESR), in collaboration with the specialized team at Nichols Brothers Boat Builders (NBBB), finalized the extensive repairs. The repair process began with a thorough inspection of the vessel, followed by engineering assessments and design plans for the damaged areas along with new-fabricated modules. Once the engineering designs were finalized, the new steel pickle fork module was constructed at NBBB's facility on Whidbey Island. The completed module was then loaded onto a barge and transferred to ESR for installation and painting while the vessel was drydocked. Additionally, underwater work was carried out to ensure the vessel's integrity. With all repair efforts now concluded, the 'Cathlamet' has been towed back to Eagle Harbor and is set to resume service shortly.