Ferry system expects no delays from Kennicott accident

The state ferry system reports that the Kennicott’s return to service in late April will not be delayed after it collided with the Hubbard while docking in Ketchikan a couple of weeks ago.

“We’re still in the investigation phase, so I’m unable to share additional details about the incident at this time,” state transportation department spokesman Sam Dapcevich said last week.

The 23-year-old Kennicott bumped into the 2-year-old Hubbard while docking on Jan. 14, as the Kennicott was pulling into Ketchikan for the start of its three-month winter maintenance work at the shipyard there.

The Hubbard, which has never been put into service, is going into the shipyard for a $15 million project to add change-of-crew living quarters to allow its use on longer runs. It is not scheduled to operate this year.

The Kennicott is scheduled to go back to work April 21. It serves Gulf Coast and Southwest Alaska communities, and does not stop in Wrangell except when pressed into service such as earlier this winter to fill in a schedule gap.

The accident occurred at 4:25 a.m. Jan. 14. No injuries were reported.

The state reported the Kennicott suffered some damage to the starboard side of the vessel and a window. “Minimal damage” was reported to the Hubbard.

No estimate for repairs was available last week, Dapcevich said.

The accident was reported to the U.S. Coast Guard.

 

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