The Matanuska, right, and Fairweather, left, tie up at Juneau’s Auke Bay Ferry Terminal in May. The Matauska is running a delayed schedule for a week. (Ed Schoenfeld/CoastAlaska News)
The ferry Matanuska is sailing an altered schedule for about a week due to mechanical problems.
It will delay Juneau-to-Prince-Rupert sailings, which include stops in Hoonah, Sitka, Kake, Wrangell, Petersburg and Ketchikan. Haines is also affected.
Alaska Marine Highway spokesman Jeremy Woodrow said the problem is with one of the Matanuska’s two main engines.
“It wasn’t major but it was significant enough that the vessel had to only use one engine transiting from Wrangell to Ketchikan. That put the vessel behind schedule,” he said.
The ferry Matanuska docks in Wrangell, giving a passenger a chance to make a cell phone call. (Ed Schoenfeld/CoastAlaska News)
“Then, when they arrived in Ketchikan they were able to repair the part overnight and then continue on their schedule.”
The ferry left Ketchikan on Monday about 12 hours behind schedule. That will delay port calls until Dec. 20. Woodrow said no Matanuska stops are being canceled.
The ferry carries up to 450 passengers and 85 vehicles. The 400-foot-long ship is more than 50 years old.
The Matanuska schedule includes a Saturday, Dec. 17, Christmas break shopping run from Kake to Juneau.
“That was noted in this schedule for Kake customers to see that that service is still planned to be delivered. Just a little bit behind schedule than previously was posted,” Woodrow said.
He said the run is similar to other special sailings for events, such as local festivals and basketball tournaments.
