The Kaleetan was scheduled to come out of the shipyard and begin service in the San Juan Islands on Sunday, June 21 for the start of the summer sailing schedule. Crews have been working extended hours to complete work on the Kaleetan, however, emerging maintenance needs will likely extend the vessel’s maintenance period for up to one week.
The Kaleetan is undergoing maintenance at Dakota Creek's shipyard in Anacortes.
The Hiyu – the ferry system’s only backup vessel – will replace the 90-auto Sealth on the inter-island route. The Sealth, along with the 144-auto Elwha, 144-auto Yakima and 124-auto Chelan will provide service between Anacortes and the San Juan Islands for the start of the summer sailing schedule. Once the Kaleeten returns to service, it will join the Elwha, Yakima and Chelan, and the Sealth will return to the inter-island route.
Travelers should expect significant vehicle-capacity reductions and are advised to arrive early and allow extra time for long waits at all terminals in the San Juan Islands while the Hiyu serves the inter-island route. WSF also encourages San Juan Islands customers to walk on instead of taking their vehicles.