PORT TOWNSEND — The MV Chetzemoka resumed service between Port Townsend and Whidbey Island this morning after it was idled last night when it was blown onto a sandbar in 50 mph winds at Whidbey Island.
The 3-month-old ferry sustained no damage in what a Washington State Ferries official called a “soft grounding.”
However, schedule alterations because of currents and low tides at Keystone Harbor on Whidbey Island will continue to be observed tonight as were planned before the Chetzemoka was blown onto the sandbar near the dock that is now officially known by State Ferries as Coupeville (Keystone).
The normal 6:45 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. sailings from Port Townsend and 7:30 p.m. and 9:15 p.m. sailings from Coupeville are affected.
Instead, the Chetzemoka will depart at 7:25 p.m. and 8:45 p.m. from Port Townsend and 8:05 p.m. and 9:25 p.m. from Coupeville.
The vessel hit against sand and ran aground shortly after 6 p.m. Tuesday, Ferries spokeswoman Marta Coursey said.
Most passengers did not notice and all disembarked without incident, she said.
Divers were dispatched to make sure the ferry sustained no damage from the incident, but the rest of Tuesday’s sailings between Port Townsend and Coupeville (Keystone) were canceled.
Latest ferry bulletins are posted on the Washington State Ferries website at http://tinyurl.com/stateferries or by phoning 888-808-7977.
