PORT TOWNSEND — The problem that took the MV Chetzemoka ferry out of service Sunday was unrelated to those that sidelined its sister vessels, according to Washington State Ferries.
An error light went on Sunday morning, which was attributed to a defective circuit card that was immediately replaced, according to ferry system spokesman Ian Sterling, who compared the situation to that of an automobile indicator light. The Chetzemoka returned to service Monday.
“This had nothing to do with the rudder problems on the other vessels,” Sterling said.
“This was more like a check engine light or the light that comes on when your tires are overinflated or underinflated.”
The Chetzemoka, which was servicing the Port Defiance-Tahlequah route, began operation in 2010, while the Salish and Kennewick started in 2011.
Service delay
Two-boat service on the Port Townsend-Coupeville route went into effect May 27 this season.
It was delayed from May 6 because of a problem found with the Salish.
A routine inspection found that one of the Salish’s three rudder parts was severely worn and had to be replaced.
On Wednesday, the Kennewick was taken out of service when a similar rudder problem was discovered.
All three are Kwa-di Tabil-class ferries, the only vessels that can navigate Keystone Harbor to the Coupeville terminal.
The Kennewick is currently docked in Kingston and will not be repaired until mid July due to drydock capacity, Sterling said.
The Chetzemoka missed its 10:15 a.m. sailing and the rest of its trips Sunday. Those included the 2:45 p.m. and 4:15 p.m. sailings from Port Townsend, and the 3:30 p.m. and 5 p.m. sailings from Coupeville.
On Sunday, the crew attempted to troubleshoot the problem themselves but were unsuccessful, Sterling said, so they called in a crew of electricians.
“These fault codes are pretty common and happen about once a month,” Sterling said.
“Whenever it happens, we need to get in there and fix it quickly.”
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Jefferson County Editor Charlie Bermant can be reached at 360-385-2335 or cbermant@peninsuladailynews.com.