The captain of the Cathlamet (IMO 7808138) ferry that collided with a terminal structure July 28th (IMN, August 3rd) has resigned, according to a spokesperson for Washington State Ferries (WSF). The captain’s identity has not been released, nor have further
details about the resignation.
Drug and alcohol tests for the entire crew came back negative, according to the ferry spokesperson.
On July 28th the Cathlamet had a “hard landing” when it collided with an offshore dolphin at the Fauntleroy terminal in West Seattle.
The collision made a sizeable tear in the ferry’s front right side. In addition to the ferry itself, several vehicles on the ferry were also damaged, with one vehicle trapped in the wreckage.
The ferry was taken out of WSF’s fleet and sent to its Eagle Harbour shipyard on Bainbridge Island for what was likely to be a time-consuming repair.
The US Coast Guard is the lead agency in the investigation. Washington State Ferries is also working with the National Transportation Safety Board and other federal partners.
1981-built, USA-flagged, 2,477 gt Cathlamet is owned by Washington State Transport and managed by Washington State Ferries of Seattle, Washington.
