Faulty ferries cut commute between Steilacoom, Anderson Island

Pierce County’s two ferries were out of service Monday, leaving many would-be passengers unable to get between Steilacoom and Anderson Island.

Steilacoom II, which was used for more than a month while repairs were done to the county’s other ferry, the Christine Anderson, left the dock at Steilacoom about 5:45 a.m. for the first run of the day.

Then it lost its steering. It returned to the dock and crews found damage to the steering electrical panel. Technicians began repairs at 9:30 a.m.

It was not immediately known how many ferry riders were affected.

“We apologize to our ferry riders for this inconvenience,” said Deb Wallace, the county’s Public Works airport and ferry administrator.

The Christine Anderson has been out of service for about five weeks to repair its water cooling pipes and engine controls.

The Coast Guard inspected the repairs Monday and gave approval for it to again carry passengers.

Officials called for a tug boat from Seattle to pull Steilacoom II out of the slip equipped to carry riders and their vehicles. Wallace said the Christine Anderson was expected to be transporting passengers by evening.

People who rely on the ferries to take them to work, school and doctor’s appointments were stuck on Anderson and Ketron islands for the day. Officials were not certain how many people were affected by the out-of-service ferries, but estimated average round-trip ridership Mondays is 930.

Some people were lucky enough to have access to private boats so they could make the trip.

Jackie Workman of Anderson Island was trying to catch the noon ferry to go watch her grandchildren. With the ferry no longer an option, her son picked her up on his personal boat and dropped off his wife to work.

Workman offered passengers on the Steilacoom side who desperately needed a ride a seat on her son’s boat.

Others spent hours hoping the ferry would get moving again.

Arlen Deyoung of Lynden started waiting at 7:15 a.m., when he arrived to catch the 8 a.m. ferry.

He works in construction and is remodeling a house on the island, so he has been taking the ferry for a couple of months. This was his first major delay.

“But this is once too often,” he said. “Especially when you’re trying to get so much done today.”

Also stuck on his way to work was Roy resident Zack Vanmeter, who takes the ferry nearly every day and said he’d never been stranded before.

“Now I’m taking advantage of the non-rainy weather,” he said.

It wasn’t all wasted time: Vanmeter and Deyoung got to know each other while waiting in line and discovered they share a similar ancestry.

With rumors floating around that the ferry might not be ready until well after 6 p.m., the two went to have a beer together at the pub up the street.

Anderson Island Vineyards opened early to accommodate would-be passengers lounging in the area.

Among those torn about what to do was Kari Berger of Seattle, who wanted to spend one night at a cabin while her friend from out of state is visiting.

Berger said she has a lot of experience riding the region’s ferries and delays happen every so often.

“You have to be flexible,” she said. “It’s a tough call whether to stay and wait or drive back to Seattle.”

This story was originally published February 29, 2016 at 11:46 AM with the headline "Faulty ferries cut commute between Steilacoom, Anderson Island."