Southeast communities disrupted by ferry shutdown

 

February 13, 2020

Caleb Vierkant / Wrangell Sentinel

Wrangell residents held a rally at the ferry terminal Tuesday afternoon, Feb. 11, to demonstrate their support of the Alaska Marine Highway. Southeast Alaskan communities have lost the use of the ferry system after the M/V Matanuska was laid up for repairs, and other ships in the ferry system are similarly out of service for the time being. Rallies were held in towns across the region, including in Petersburg and Juneau.

With the M/V Matanuska going out of service last week, ferry service via the Alaska Marine Highway has completely shut down. According to a press release from the Alaska Department of Transportation, new issues have been found with the ferry's reduction gear system. The Matanuska, at the time of writing, is being towed to Ketchikan for repairs.

"AMHS is aware of travel needs for upcoming school and community tournaments in March and is exploring options for alternative service in the event Matanuska is unable to return to service as planned," the press release reads.

The ferry system is an...



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