Date:  Monday, May 04, 2009

Contact: Susan Harris Huether, Senior Programs Manager, 206-515-3460
Marta Coursey, Communications Director 206-515-3918

MAY 8 UPDATE: The 48-car Rhododendron returned to the Point Defiance / Tahlequah route on Friday, May 8, restoring normal route capacity. The Rhododendron was removed from service on Saturday, May 2, due to a mechanical problem. Repairs were completed and the vessel was tested and cleared for service. WSF thanks customers for their patience during the capacity reduction.

May 4 news release:

POINT DEFIANCE – The 48-car Rhododendron will remain out of service while crews perform repairs to the vessel’s controllable pitch propeller unit. Reduced capacity will continue on the Point Defiance/Tahlequah route due to these repairs. The 34-car Hiyu replaced the Rhododendron to start service Sunday, May 3.

The Rhododendron was taken out of service at the end of the service day on Saturday, May 2, after crews discovered mechanical problems with the controllable pitch propeller unit.

To assist customers on this route, WSF has added an additional midday roundtrip sailing departing from Point Defiance at 12:50 p.m. and Tahlequah at 1:15 p.m.

Maintenance crews began monitoring the vessel on Friday evening, May 1, after observing abnormal noise during operations. Subsequent troubleshooting procedures revealed increased temperatures within the controllable pitch propeller unit. Crews continued to monitor the unit throughout the day on Saturday, before WSF engineers made the decision to remove the Rhododendron after service was completed for the day.

Troubleshooting of the controllable pitch propeller unit revealed damage to its inner housing and components which will require welding and machine work to repair. Engineers estimate it will take approximately one week to complete repairs. The Hiyu will continue to serve the route until repairs are completed.

By monitoring the emerging situation and planning this move, WSF avoided a potential mechanical failure during the service day. Crews were able to quickly mobilize to switch vessels and begin maintenance as soon as possible to minimize service disruptions.

Customers should continue to plan for longer wait times during busy commute periods. Drivers are advised to arrive early and to consider using the Fauntleroy/Vashon/Southworth route for travel to and from Vashon Island.

For more ferry system information, please visit www.wsdot.wa.gov/ferries. To sign up for free e-mail alerts about service disruptions and other route information, click on the link in the far left column of the Web site.

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