Suspected generator failure when M/V Walla Walla ferry grounded: crew and passengers safe

Late Sunday morning, Washington State Ferries (WSF) reported that all 175 cars trapped aboard the stranded M/V Walla Walla had been successfully removed after the ship was towed back to Bremerton. This development comes as the investigation ramps up to uncover the cause of the ship’s grounding on Brainbridge Island on Saturday afternoon during its voyage from Bremerton to Seattle.Preliminary results from the WSF indicate that a generator failure may have caused the M/V Walla Walla to lose all power, leaving the crew unable to steer the vessel away from shore. This was confirmed by the US Coast Guard 596 passengers and 15 crew on board at the time of the incident. 

Ian Sterling, WSF communications director, said divers will now inspect the M/V Walla Walla’s propeller for damage sustained when the ferry unexpectedly ran onto a sandbar. As a result, the ship is expected to be out of service for several days.

On Sunday, April 16, the 124-vehicle M/V Issaquah replaced the M/V Walla Walla on the Seattle/Bremerton route. Due to the Issaquah’s reduced vehicle capacity, WSF warned of potential longer wait times and encouraged passengers to seek alternative routes.

All passengers were safely evacuated from the ferry, and Washington State Ferries announced the last passengers disembarked at 10 p.m.

No injuries were reported and WSF said initial signs point to a generator failure, with a formal investigation pending. Passengers were placed on Kitsap Transit vessels that took them to Bremerton. Travelers with cars on the grounded ferry have been instructed to meet them at the Bremerton terminal on Sunday.

WSF confirmed the inconvenience, indicate”We know it’s not ideal, but thank you for helping us make the best of a bad situation.” The agency is currently working on it reimburse all affected customers for their uncompleted trips. The Washington State Department of Environmental Protection found no pollution or damage to the hull caused by the stranding.

A passenger on the M/V Walla Walla recalled hearing sirens and seeing lights flicker as the ship lost power when reported by KOMO. The journey from Bremerton to Seattle typically takes about an hour, according to the Washington State Department of Transportation’s website.After the M/V Walla Walla was stranded, Washington State Ferries (WSF) and the United States Coast Guard are working closely to determine the cause of the generator failure and prevent future incidents. Passengers and crew are interviewed, and the ship’s maintenance records and standard operating procedures are reviewed.