Alaska News

Alaska Ferry M/V Taku delayed by rudder trouble

The Alaska Marine Highway System (AMHS) ferry M/V Taku experienced a mechanical issue Monday, resulting in an interruption to scheduled passenger service, according to an announcement from the Alaska Department of Transportation.

The ferry was sailing from Sitka to Petersburg when the ferry's captain noticed that one of the two rudders had less control than intended. Mechanics aboard the M/V Taku confirmed failure of the hydraulic ram controlling the ship's starboard rudder.

With the assistance of a tugboat, the ferry docked in Petersburg at 10 a.m., approximately two hours behind schedule. Aboard the ferry were 109 passengers and 24 vehicles.

The US Coast Guard was immediately notified and has cleared the ferry to resume passenger service to Ketchikan. The M/V Taku is scheduled to depart from Petersburg at 1:15 p.m. Tuesday for Ketchikan, where repairs will be completed.

Previously scheduled service aboard the M/V Taku between Petersburg and Wrangell, Wrangell and Ketchikan, and to Prince Rupert, British Columbia has been canceled. AMHS staff is contacting affected passengers. For more information passengers may call their local terminal by dialing 1-907-465-3941 or toll-free at 1-800-642-0066.

Craig Medred

Craig Medred is a former writer for the Anchorage Daily News, Alaska Dispatch and Alaska Dispatch News. He left the ADN in 2015.

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