The sole ferry linking the region’s seaside communities has had to skip a week of its winter schedule due to mechanical problems.

Alaska Marine Highway System reported the M/V Columbia has had to remain in Bellingham, Washington, after its arrival last Friday. On its approach to the dock there its bow-side maneuvering thruster stopped working.

AMHS public information officer Aurah Landau explained the thruster is a necessary feature for the vessel, particularly during winter weather conditions and while navigating narrow passages. While AMHS had made the decision to pull the vessel from i...