Wsf-Chimacum Vessel Reviews and Specifications

On December 8, 2024, at 12:16 PM PST, the 'Chimacum' ferry played a vital role in responding to a recreational vessel engulfed in flames in Elliott Bay, Washington, near the Duwamish Head Light at the northern end of West Seattle. The blaze triggered an immediate alert, mobilizing multiple agencies, including the Coast Guard, which deployed two response boats from Station Seattle—a 45-foot and a 29-foot vessel. Alongside them, the Seattle Fire Department dispatched the fireboat 'Chief Seattle' to tackle the inferno. A nearby private boater swiftly rescued the skipper who had jumped overboard, and emergency medical services were promptly provided. By 12:35 PM, firefighters had begun dousing the flames, effectively diminishing the fire by 12:55 PM. Following this, the fireboat 'Chief Seattle' started towing the affected vessel to safety, but the boat ultimately sank near the 32nd Ave Beach Access in Elliott Bay after being transferred to Tow Boat US for towing operations. The recreational vessel was carrying approximately 250 gallons of diesel fuel, prompting the owner's arrangement for salvage operations. Booms were deployed around the area to contain potential pollution, and divers have been contacted to assist in removing any remaining fuel as part of the salvage effort. For more details, including photos and videos, visit the following links: [U.S. Coast Guard Press Release](https://www.news.uscg.mil/Press-Releases/Article/3990458/coast-guard-and-partner-agencies-respond-to-boat-fire-near-seattle/), [West Seattle Blog](https://westseattleblog.com/2024/12/boat-fire-in-elliott-bay/), [KOMO News](https://www.komonews.com/news/local/salvage-efforts-in-elliott-bay-after-boat-fire-boom-deployed-to-stop-fuel-spillseattle-coast-guard-good-samaritan-vessel-rescue-contractor), [Baird Maritime](https://www.bairdmaritime.com/security/non-naval-security/coast-guard/us-coast-guard-partner-agencies-respond-to-boat-fire-near-seattle), [Seattle Times](https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/1-person-rescued-as-boat-burns-offshore-near-west-seattle/).

On November 25, 2021, Washington State Ferries Captain Tom Tilton, aged 68, faced an unexpected scenario during his last watch after a remarkable 25-year career. While navigating the 'Chimacu' from Bremerton to Seattle, a distressing 'man overboard' alert was issued just before 5 p.m. as the vessel neared Duwamish Head. In a swift response, Captain Tilton commanded the ferry to halt and quickly made his way to the pilothouse. A diligent crew member had already cast a lighted life ring into the waters, and visibility allowed the team to spot the woman in distress near the shoreline. Swift action followed, with crew members launching an inflatable rescue boat to reach her in the rough waters. Fortunately, they managed to pull the woman onboard safely, and she was subsequently taken to an ambulance awaiting at the terminal, where she is expected to make a full recovery. This incident highlights the professionalism and preparedness of the crew as they navigated a potentially tragic situation.

On November 16, 2020, at approximately 2 PM, an incident unfolded aboard the 'Chimacum' ferry in Washington State, when a woman unexpectedly leaped overboard. Prompt action by two nearby fishermen led to her rescue from the water, after which she was swiftly transported to shore. Once on land, she was taken to St. Michael Medical Center, where she was reported to be in stable condition. According to her statements to law enforcement, she had deliberately jumped from the ferry. The Coast Guard initiated a search operation in Rich Passage after crew members from Washington State Ferries discovered an unattended backpack on the vessel and reviewed security footage, confirming her plunge into the water.