Recently some ferry runs were canceled because of the weather. This Sunday, the cancellation of the LeConte was due to staffing issues. Per Coast Guard regulation, some minimum crewing requirements must be met for the boat to run safely.
Alaska Marine Highway public information officer Sam Dapcevich talked with KHNS about what happened on that day.
“So there is a certain number of engineers required per the ship’s certificate of inspection, the coast guard has requirements that we have to follow, and the captain makes the final call, but they answer to the coast guard too.” said Dapcevitch
For medical reasons, one of those engineers couldn’t make it.
“The email that came through with that situation was late Saturday evening, the sailing was for &am Sunday, and dispatch was not able to locate someone in time for that sailing. AMHS places safety right at the top of the list in every situation.” said Dapcevitch
So the sailing had to be canceled and AMHS had to use the back up plan. There is a contract in place with Allen marine to dispatch their boat in cases like this so that service can at least be provided to walk on passengers. Within hours, this alternative sailing was arranged.
“Allen Marine made a run to Haines, they loaded up at the small boat harbor in Haines, they brought people to the small boat harbor in Skagway, and they arrived in Juneau at 9.30 pm. And from what I understand that sailing was successful.” said Dapcevitch
The staffing issue was resolved the next day, and the LeConte is expected to run on schedule this coming weekend.
