HomeMy WebLinkAbout041623 FW_ Walla Walla Update
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From: Vezina, John
Sent: Sunday, April 16, 2023 10:37:16 AM (UTC-08:00) Pacific Time (US & Canada)
Subject: Walla Walla Update
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City and County Elected Officials from WSF-served Communities,
Good morning.
Sharing an email WSF Assistant Secretary Rubstello just sent to legislative transportation leadership and ferry legislators. Please let me know if you have any questions.
Best,
John
Chairs Liias and Fey, Ranking Members King and Barkis, and Ferry Legislators
Good morning,
In follow up to last night’s grounding of the Walla Walla in Rich Passage, while we begin an official investigation into the incident, I’m passing on some information about the incident.
First, by every measure, the Walla Walla’s captain and crew acting in an exemplary fashion. When the vessel lost power and they realized it was going to run aground, the immediately
deployed the anchor to slow down the vessel and then warned passengers to brace for impact, which prevented serious injuries. Once aground, the crew remained calm, issuing life preservers
as a precaution, and deploying evacuation slides should an emergency evacuation become necessary. The crew’s professionalism was further tested by an unrelated onboard medical emergency,
to which they promptly responded, coordinating an evacuation of the passenger from the vessel.
We are also grateful for the prompt response and support given by the U.S. Coast Guard, Washington State Patrol, local emergency services, Governor Inslee’s Office, and WSDOT headquarters
and regional staff. Of particular note, Kitsap Transit was incredibly helpful in sending a passenger-only ferry to evacuate passengers and get them safely back to Bremerton and adding
additional service between Seattle and Bremerton to get people home last night. As always, we appreciate our partnership with them.
We also appreciate the collegiality and support from the crew of the Sealth, who after their sailing day ended on the Fauntleroy/Southworth/Vashon route, agreed to sail to Seattle to
get passengers home to Bremerton after the Mariners and Reign’s games (both wins for the home teams!).
At 12.45 this morning, the Walla Walla floated free, allowing for its towing to Bremerton. While an investigation of the engine failure starts, we have arranged for divers to inspect
the vessel’s hull and underwater machinery later today. And, at 9am, for passengers who left their vehicles onboard last night, to retrieve them.
The Walla Walla’s crew’s actions last night are a perfect example of the importance of professional and quick thinking in a dynamic marine environment. We understand the many competing
interests for state transportation dollars and are thankful for all the work you and legislative staff do in understanding the needs of our complex systems.
Respectfully,
Patty
Patty Rubstello, PE (she/her)
Assistant Secretary - Washington State Ferries
Washington State Department of Transportation
rubstep@wsdot.wa.gov <mailto:rubstep@wsdot.wa.gov>