The iconic Chilkat, Alaska’s state ferry which had long retired from passenger service is now lost forever. Popularly remembered as the first “Blue Canoe” sank in a Windstorm that engulfed the Anacortes of Washington.
The out of service ship didn’t have any fuel or pollutants onboard so there was no danger of environmental consequences. Everyone just feels that an inevitable part of history is lost and are planning to raise the vessel
It was built in 1957 .M. Martinac Shipbuilding Company in Tacoma for $300,000.
The final moments of the passenger ship were caught on video raging with sights and sounds that showed the battered vessel in high winds
A Petty Officer and US Coast Guard spokesman Steve Strohmaier revealed that ” a pretty big storm system blew through the Seattle area, causing winds and gusts up to 50 knots. And from the storm, one of the concrete piers in Anacortes, Washington sunk”.
Along with the 99-foot ferry 3 other boats also broke off in the storm but the others didn’t sink like Chilkat.
“We have a commercial salvage company that will be coming out and assisting with recovery efforts of the vessel,” he added. “When and how long that will take is unknown at the time.”
“The Chilkat was the actual very first ferry as part of the marine highway system fleet that began in 1963 after the statewide vote to bond for the new boats and begin the state-sponsored service,” Venables said. “The Chilkat was the Queen of the Fleet.”
Venables said he felt sad watching the vessel go down like that in the video.
Reference: ktoo.org
Source: Maritime Shipping News