Alaska Marine Highway System ferry schedules were updated again on Tuesday, March 16, as state transportation officials announced a mechanical issue prompting cancellation of the Matanuska’s southbound trip to Bellingham, Washington.
In the Matanuska’s place, the Kennicott was to resume service from Ketchikan early on Friday, March 18, heading for Bellingham, accommodating some northbound Matanuska traffic throughout the southern panhandle, according to the Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities.
DOT officials said the Matanuska would make a trial run with a technician onboard, departing Juneau on the afternoon of March 17 to transport stranded passengers in Haines and Skagway. If no further issues arise, the ship is anticipated to resume scheduled service. Meanwhile all passengers were notified, rebooked or refunded as necessary, they said.
