Moving toward Autumn
It’s been in the news quite a bit about the missed sailings by Washington State Ferries. Understandable, being the largest ferry system in the US, they’re going to have the bulk of the publicity. However, this isn’t unique to WSF. The shortage of workers has caused canceled sailings in British Columbia, and also in Alaska. In addition, Pierce County also missed sailings due to short of qualified crew.
The maritime industry as a whole is suffering from a severe lack of workers as the “gray wave” continues and workers retire. With covid continuing to slow the pace at which workers can be trained, be prepared for this to continue and possibly even get worse before it gets better.
Not too unexpected, even though the border for maritime traffic to Canada is reopening, WSF has pulled the plug for 2021. Plans are to resume next year, just in time for the Anacortes-Sidney’s 100th anniversary. Remember, that service started with the “ferry” below, the old Harvester King, a converted kelp processor. (Hence “Harvester King.”) If you’re thinking “Wow, that would be scary to take across Haro Strait, you’re right. The funky little boat only lasted a single season. By the time 1923 rolled around, Black Ball loaned out the much more suitable City of Angeles for the route.
Speaking of the international route, the now retired Elwha had a lovely story written up about her by David Hampshire at the San Juan Journal.
https://www.sanjuanjournal.com/life/a-ferry-tale-remembering-the-elwha/
Meanwhile, on a more positive note, B.C. Ferries has named the two latest ferries. Read about it here.
Clipper Navigation is set to go back to Victoria starting September 17th. For now, they’ll only be hauling vaccinated Americans, as the border remains closed on the U.S. side at least until 21 September. (And probably for the rest of the year.) This story reports that the Coho won’t be sailing until next year, but Black Ball’s website says at they’ll only be not sailing until the 21st of September. If the border reopens, one assumes the Coho will go back into service as well.
It was 54 years ago this month that the Kalakala made her last revenue crossing for Washington State Ferries, filling in for the Hyak, then brand-new, that was undergoing some teething issues.