The Wsf-Walla-Walla: Crew Feedback and Vessel Data

The Seattle-Bremerton ferry service is currently operating with a single vessel following the suspension of the 'Walla Walla' on January 1, 2026. Washington State Ferries has grounded the 57-year-old vessel after a serious issue was identified with its propeller. A blade on the propeller was found to have sheared off, prompting immediate dry-docking for repairs. Officials anticipate that the necessary work will take several weeks to complete, impacting the routine ferry schedule across the route.

A recent report from Washington State Ferries has identified that the grounding incident involving the ferry 'Walla Walla' on April 15, 2023, in Rich Passage, was caused by the troublesome presence of bacterial and fungal growth within its diesel storage tanks. The vessel was en route from Bremerton to Seattle when it encountered difficulties. According to the findings, excessive air infiltration into the two-day tank, which supplies fuel to the ferry’s manifold, coupled with moisture, resulted in the formation of a problematic black sludge. This sludge eventually dislodged and overwhelmed the fuel filters, depriving the generators of power and crippling the ferry's steering capabilities. While ferry officials had initially cited fuel contamination as the cause of the malfunction, they did not disclose the contamination's origin at that time. The new report clarifies that the contamination occurred while the diesel was onboard the vessel. As the 'Walla Walla' approached the south end of Bainbridge in Rich Passage, alarms sounded in both the pilothouse and engine room. Despite the crew's efforts to manually restart the generators, the situation worsened, leading the captain to order the dropping of the anchor and advise passengers to brace for impact. The ferry ultimately settled gently near Lynwood Center on Bainbridge, and fortunately, there were no injuries reported. The investigation concluded that the crew acted correctly and bore no blame for the incident. Passengers remained on board until around 10 p.m., when a Kitsap Transit ferry evacuated them back to Bremerton. In light of these events, investigators have made several recommendations, including regular inspections of fuel lines for air leaks, enhanced maintenance procedures, redesigning tanks for more efficient sludge removal, increasing biocide treatments in the fuel, and improving the centrifuge clearing protocols. Washington State Ferries has expressed confidence that the issues resulting in the contamination have been thoroughly addressed to prevent future occurrences.

Following the grounding incident, assessments of the 'Walla Walla' ferry have commenced after it was towed back to Bremerton on April 16. In a swift response, 175 vehicles were safely removed from the vessel. Fortunately, no serious injuries were reported; however, emergency personnel attended to three medical situations during the incident. Fire and medical teams promptly boarded the ferry to ensure that assistance was readily available, leading to the transfer of patients to the Coast Guard. These individuals were subsequently taken to Bremerton, where local fire and EMS personnel received them in stable condition. Initial underwater investigations revealed no significant structural damage, with early indications suggesting a mechanical failure may have been the cause. For more detailed coverage, including photos, visit https://eu.kitsapsun.com/story/news/traffic/2023/04/17/ferry-walla-walla-grounding-bainbridge-island-washington-state-rich-passage/70123450007/

In a successful operation following its recent grounding, the 'Walla Walla' ferry has been refloated and transported back to Bremerton with the assistance of tugboats. The grounding incident prompted the immediate response of Kitsap Transit’s smaller ferries, 'Waterman' and 'Commander', which quickly diverted to the scene to facilitate the safe transfer of stranded passengers. The last of the passengers disembarked on April 15 around 10 p.m., and they were transported directly to Bremerton. Thanks to the rising tide and tugboat support, the ferry was successfully refloated that evening. The tugs not only refloated the vessel but also expertly maneuvered it so it could dock in Bremerton without requiring vehicles to reverse off, streamlining the disembarkation process for the 200 passengers traveling with their cars. On April 16, passengers were able to retrieve their vehicles from the Bremerton docks. While the 'Walla Walla' undergoes necessary surveys and repairs, the 'Issaquah' ferry has taken over its service, ensuring continuity in operations. This incident highlights the resilience and efficiency of local maritime services in managing emergencies. For more detailed coverage, check out the Seattle Times report with accompanying images: https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/transportation/passengers-retrieve-cars-stuck-on-the-wa-ferry-that-ran-aground-on-bainbridge-island/