The United States Coast Guard (USCG) received reports this weekend that 596 passengers and 15 crew members were aboard ferry Walla Walla, when it run aground in Rich Passage near Bainbridge Island.
Tugs and USCG crews remained on standby to support the salvage operation. Vessels were employed in order to escort the passenger out of the ferry. The rising tide assisted during the slated removal of the vessel from the shoal water.
According to Washington State Ferries, no injuries were recorded. Officials claimed that the vessel had a generator failure, and an official inquiry is underway.
@wsferries – Ferry Walla Walla was successfully re-floated during the high tide and brought safely to Bremerton with tugs assisting. The ferry is moored at the Bremerton ferry terminal. pic.twitter.com/Nd5L0wPavU
— USCGPacificNorthwest (@USCGPacificNW) April 16, 2023
