Coast Guard Investigates the Damages to Ferry Fairweather
U. S. Coast Guard
December 21, 2004
JUNEAU, AK - The Alaska Marine Highway System (AMHS) is cooperating with U.S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Office, Juneau to investigate and evaluate structural damage sustained to the Ferry FAIRWEATHER. The FAIRWEATHER was damaged by waves during a regularly scheduled voyage from Haines to Juneau late yesterday afternoon.
The vessel was carrying 101 passengers at the time including the Commanding Officer of Marine Safety Office Juneau. At no time during the voyage were the passengers in any danger. The damage was discovered after the FAIRWEATHER was safely docked in Juneau upon completion of the voyage. Damage was confined to a void space located at the forward part of the vessel between the two catamaran hulls. Several of the internal structural fames were found damaged along with an 18-inch tear in the vessels hull plating. All damage is approximately 14 feet above the waterline. Coast Guard Marine Inspectors examined the damage and FAIRWEATHER has been prohibited from carrying passengers or vehicles until satisfactory repairs have been completed.
A Coast Guard investigation is being conducted to determine the cause of the casualty. The vessel's master reduced speed during the voyage and crewmembers took steps to ensure the safety of the passengers.
The Coast Guard will remain engaged throughout the repair process and will review and approve all repair proposals.
One of Coast Guard Marine Safety Office, Juneau's many mission is to inspect commercial vessel's plying U.S. waters to ensure they are safely maintained to prevent vessel casualties.
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