Ferry Service Disruption
Crew Callouts Leave Thirteen Washington Ferries Out of Service After Staff Decline Shifts
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Key Points
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The affected engine-room employees and workers who declined to fill the vacancies are members of the Marine Engineers’ Beneficial Association (MEBA), the union representing WSF engine-room staff.
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WSF spokesperson Justin Fujioka said licensed ferry positions can take years to credential and train for, and the agency has launched workforce-development programs to build its staffing pipeline.
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The Edmonds-Kingston and Mukilteo-Clinton routes together carried about 2 million passengers over three months, from April through June, according to WSDOT ridership data.
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Some riders described direct consequences of the disruptions: Bremerton commuter Faye Armitstead said a canceled 6:20 a.m. sailing threatened to make her late for work, while Tim Barker said he took the fast ferry to reach the airport for a flight.
Washington State Ferries ground 13 of 18 vessels Monday after 23 engine-room workers called in sick and qualified backup staff declined to cover shifts NBC Right Now. The mass callouts left major routes like Seattle–Bainbridge and Edmonds–Kingston scrambling, with long waits and missed connections disrupting commutes across Puget Sound Kitsap Sun.
The 23 affected engine-room employees are union members of MEBA, the Marine Engineers' Beneficial Association Nisqually Valley News. Ferry officials said the vessels are safe but cannot operate without properly licensed crews. Governor Bob Ferguson met with agency leaders to assess the disruptions Nisqually Valley News.
Union Workers and Coverage Shortfalls Cripple Routes
The 23 sick callouts were concentrated among engine-room staff — critical positions that require years of licensing and training NBC Right Now. When qualified workers asked to cover the empty shifts chose not to, ferry officials had no legal path forward. Vessels cannot leave port without licensed engine-room operators on deck Kitsap Sun.
Massive Passenger Impact Across Six Major Routes
Six routes faced cancellations or reduced one-boat service: Seattle–Bainbridge, Edmonds–Kingston, Vashon–Southworth–Fauntleroy, Port Townsend–Coupeville, Mukilteo–Clinton, and San Juan Islands service Kitsap Sun. Just two of those routes — Edmonds–Kingston and Mukilteo–Clinton — carried approximately 2 million passengers over three months from April through June, according to state data Kitsap Sun.
Commuters Scramble to Find Alternate Transportation
Bremerton commuter Faye Armitstead said a canceled 6:20 a.m. sailing threatened to make her late for work. Other riders took the faster ferry option or drove to different ports to reach their destinations Kitsap Sun. One commuter, Tim Barker, switched to a fast ferry just to catch a flight Kitsap Sun.
Ferry Agency Tackles Long-Term Staffing Crisis
WSF spokesperson Justin Fujioka acknowledged that licensed ferry engine-room positions take years to credential and train for Nisqually Valley News. The agency has launched workforce-development programs to build its staffing pipeline and prevent future disruptions Nisqually Valley News. Officials are investigating the callouts and working to fill vacant positions Nisqually Valley News.
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