PORT ANGELES — A launch of a lifeboat from the MV Coho ferry Tuesday was just a drill.
Rian Anderson, Black Ball Ferry Line district manager in Port Angeles, said the ferry’s crew was testing the lifeboat’s motor and the ability of the ferry to launch it as required by the Coast Guard.
“It was a routine drill to make sure that everything is working properly,” he said.
The crew launched the boat as it was pulling into Port Angeles Harbor at about 12:20 p.m., Anderson said.
The ferry, delayed by about five minutes due to the launch, docked in Port Angeles while the boat was being tested.
After about 30 minutes, the ferry’s davit crane pulled it back aboard.
Anderson didn’t recall when the last such test occurred, but added that the ferry’s crew conduct other safety and fire drills every week.
The ferry has two motorized lifeboats in addition to its life rafts.
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Reporter Tom Callis can be reached at 360-417-3532 or at tom.callis@peninsuladailynews.com.
