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[Brief] Washington State Ferries' roll-on \/ roll-off car ferries usually operate on sheltered routes, but occasionally they have to make a transit across open water for repositioning. This is a routine matter, so long as the weather is forgiving, but on one recent voyage it was a bit rougher than expected.<\/p>\n
On Tuesday, the ferry Issaquah<\/em> was repositioning to Anacortes from her previously-assigned crossing at Mukilteo. Anacortes is the gateway to the San Juan Islands, and to get there, Issaquah <\/em>had to cross the east end of the Strait of Juan de Fuca. The Strait is an open runway to the North Pacific, and it is known for periods of foul winter weather. <\/p>\n A harrowing experience, for sure. Glad everyone arrived unscathed and with no damage. The ship’s track shows the crew slowing down and turning into the waves at several points along the west side of Whidbey yesterday morning. Must’ve been wild! #wsf<\/a> #wawx<\/a> #pnw<\/a> ???? ????? pic.twitter.com\/4h7SmOMx3B<\/a><\/p>\n — Lawson (@bnkwupt) January 10, 2024<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n On Tuesday morning, Issaquah <\/em>passed Port Townsend and headed north along the coast of Whidbey Island, making 17 knots. She quickly encountered higher waves than the crew had expected from the forecast, according to WSF. AIS data shows that as she rounded Fort Ebey, she slowed to seven knots and began changing course, zig-zagging northwards along the coast. <\/p>\n There were no passengers on board during this transit, but the crew (and their personal vehicles) were there to witness the effects. One crewmember captured a video of the car deck awash with saltwater, with the rolling sea visible past the open-ended bow. (Advisory: strong language.)<\/p>\n Employee shot this from #Issaquah<\/a> during rough seas Tuesday near Strait of Juan de Fuca. We were moving vessel w\/o passengers to #Anacortes<\/a>. Damage minimal. This has no effect on service. Ferry will replace #Chelan<\/a> in #SanJuanIslands<\/a> by the weekend. Sorry about language in video. pic.twitter.com\/62YHJTiTj0<\/a><\/p>\n\n
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