TACOMA, Wash. -- Washington State Ferries says service on the Point Defiance/Tahlequah route is suspended until Saturday due to ongoing repairs to the dock at the Point Defiance terminal.
The ferry dock will likely be repaired Friday night, and service is supposed to resume saturday morning, according to WSF.
The dock was damaged after the captain of the M/V Chetzomoka suffered a major medical emergency as the vessel was preparing to depart the Point Defiance ferry dock Saturday night.
The captain collapsed and hit the control panel as he fell, causing the vessel to break away and damage the dock apron. Crews on board were able to take full control of the vessel immediately.
No passengers on the Chetzomoka were injured, and the captain is expected to make a full recovery.
However, the dock suffered significant damage. As a result, the Point Defiance/Tahlequah route is expected to remain out of service until Friday, December 30 while crews work around the close to repair the dock apron.
The captain has been with the ferry service for many years. WSF declined to release his name.
WSF officials advise taking alternate routes, such as Southworth and Fauntleroy, for access to and from Vashon Island.
For some passengers, the closure adds time to a what's usually a quick trip.
"You know that's our lifeline," said Charlie Gordon, who usually leaves Vashon to go to Gig Harbor and then returns.
Kate Hopkins, another driver, was frustrated with the closure, because she had to stop in Seattle before landing on Vashon.
"We're going to be about three hours late to where we're supposed to go," said Hopkins.
Other drivers welcome the delay.
"This is the first moment that I've had to myself during the holidays without my very large family and my very busy son, so I'm actually fine with having a little extra time to myself," said passenger Jessie Archambeault.
For some drivers, more time and a little patience comes with the territory of the commute.
"If you're going to live on Vashon, you have to accept the fact that it may not always be perfect," said Gordon.
Ferry travel alerts can be found here.
