Washington State Ferry Damaged After ‘Hard Landing’ in Seattle

A Washington State ferry sustained significant damage Thursday after it struck a dolphin piling during its arrival at the Fauntleroy Terminal in southwest Seattle.

Washington State Ferries said its vessel Cathlamet made a hard landing at the terminal, causing significant damage to the vessel and an offshore mooring dolphin.

Fauntleroy service suspended for the time being.

Thankfully no injuries or pollution have been reported.

Photos and video of the vessel show significant damage to the Cathlamet’s port bow above the waterline. More photos of the damage can be seen at the bottom of this post. Damage to the dolphin can be seen below:

The U.S. Coast Guard said it was repsonding to the incident. “Investigation officers and a rescue boat crew are on scene to assist,” the U.S. Coast Guard’s Thirteenth District said in tweet.

It seems cars were able to sneak under the damage and exit the ferry, with the exception of two vehicles that remain stuck inside.

“Vessel will not be cleared to transit until approval is granted from #USCG responders,” the Coast Guard said in an update.

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