Pierce County officials announced that ferry service to Anderson Island, Ketron Island and the Steilacoom terminal is back in operation after a multi‑day outage caused by a mechanical problem on the county‑run Steilacoom II ferry.
What caused the interruption
On Oct. 26 the Steilacoom II experienced a mechanical failure that left riders stranded on the islands and on the mainland in Steilacoom. The county later explained that a critical part needed for repairs was not stocked in the United States and had to be sourced from Canada, adding an extra delay.
Repairs completed and service resumes
County staff reported that the necessary repairs were finished on Oct. 27 and that normal ferry schedules would resume as soon as possible. The first run of the day is slated to leave Steilacoom at approximately 3:15 p.m., with additional runs throughout the afternoon and an evening run to Ketron Island.
“We anticipate very high demand as service resumes, and many residents have an urgent need to use the ferry,” the Pierce County Planning & Public Works department wrote in a Facebook post. “If you can delay your trip to maintain space for those with the greatest need, please consider doing so.”
Supporting residents and voters
County officials are also reviewing whether ticket agents can accept expired ferry tickets, a measure that could ease travel for commuters who missed their original rides.
In a separate effort to protect voting access, the Pierce County Auditor’s Office, together with Planning & Public Works and Emergency Management, deployed a tug boat to Anderson Island to collect ballots. “Nothing can stop democracy! Rain or shine, ferry or boat, we’re committed to making sure every ballot gets where it needs to go,” the auditor’s office posted.
Additional context
The county’s second ferry, the Christine Anderson, remains in dry dock in Everett for Coast Guard inspections until Nov. 6, which has limited capacity and contributed to the recent strain on service. The county’s ferry system operates independently of the state‑run Washington State Ferries, meaning that local funding and maintenance decisions are handled directly by Pierce County officials.
Residents are encouraged to check the county’s website or social media channels for real‑time updates on ferry schedules, ticketing policies, and any further service adjustments.
Original reporting: KIRO 7 (Tacoma / Pierce County stories) — read the source article.
