Residents of Anderson and Ketron Islands faced an unexpected commute disruption on Saturday when the Steilacoom II ferry suffered a mechanical failure. The ferry, which provides the primary link between the islands and the town of Steilacoom in Pierce County, Washington, was forced out of service, stranding some riders on the islands and others in Steilacoom.
Repair challenges and timeline
Pierce County officials explained that the specific component needed to fix the Steilacoom II is not stocked in the United States. “We have to obtain the part from Canada,” a county spokesperson said, adding that the additional logistics will extend the repair timeline. The county has not set a firm date for when the ferry will return to operation, but it confirmed that service will remain suspended for the entirety of Monday, Oct. 26.
Impact on island families and commuters
Local islanders voiced the hardship the outage creates. “It puts a strain on anyone that’s a commuter, because they can’t get off,” said Kevin Hellriegel, a resident of Anderson Island. “My wife is going to work remote on Monday and maybe Tuesday, and we hope if they get the part she’ll be able to commute back in on Wednesday.” The county’s announcement acknowledged the inconvenience, noting that the disruption affects families who rely on the ferry for work, school, and medical appointments.
Alternative transportation options
While the Steilacoom II is out of service, the county’s second vessel, the Christine Anderson, is already in dry dock in Everett for Coast Guard inspections and will not be available until after November 6. Island residents are therefore encouraged to seek alternative routes, such as private boat charters or arranging rides with neighbors who own personal watercraft. The county’s website lists emergency contact information and advises residents to call 911 only for true emergencies.
County response and next steps
County officials promised regular updates as repair work proceeds. “We will continue to provide updates as the repair work proceeds,” the statement read. “We recognize the hardship this disruption causes for island families and residents, and we are working urgently to restore service. Thank you for your patience as our team resolves the mechanical issue.” An update on the restoration effort is scheduled for 10 a.m. on Monday.
Background on the ferry system
The South Sound ferry service is not part of Washington State’s larger ferry system; it is operated by Pierce County to serve the unique transportation needs of the three islands in the Puget Sound. The Steilacoom II, named after the historic town, is the primary vessel for daily commuters, while the Christine Anderson serves as a backup when available.
What residents can do now
Island residents are urged to plan ahead, coordinate rides with neighbors, and stay informed through the county’s official communication channels. The county’s transportation department will post any changes to the schedule or additional service options on its website and social media pages.
Original reporting: KIRO 7 (Tacoma / Pierce County stories) — read the source article.
