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Bent propeller fixed, San Juans ferry returns to service

Underwater repairs have been performed, but the vessel still experienced some vibrations during subsequent sea trials
Credit: Wdobner
The M/V Yakima arrives at the Orcas Island Ferry Terminal in 2016. (Photo: Wdobner)

A Washington state ferry that serves the San Juan Islands will go back in service Wednesday after it broke down earlier in the week, shifting sailing schedules and leaving passengers stranded for hours.

The M/V Yakima will go back in service for the 4:30 p.m. sailing from Anacortes to Lopez Island and Friday Harbor. Service to Sidney, British Columbia will resume Thursday.

Workers were able to straighten the propeller on the Yakima, which had a bent propeller on Monday, according to Washington State Department of Transportation.

The Yakima hit something underwater near Lopez Island, possibly a log, and was at Bainbridge Island for urgent repairs.

Several ferry passengers said they were stranded on Orcas Island for nine to 10 hours due to the service disruptions. The Hyak ferry ran unscheduled through early morning to get people off the island, according to WSDOT.

Sailings to and from Sidney, British Columbia were canceled Monday, and sailing times were adjusted to prioritize domestic travel in the San Juan Islands.

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