The Ken Eichner-2, one of two ferries that connect Ketchikan to its airport on Gravina Island, is out of service until further notice. The vessel experienced a malfunction with its hydraulic steering system on Sunday and was taken out of service as a precaution.
According to the airport manager, technicians will visit Ketchikan next week to service the ferry. Airport staff are hopeful it will be repaired and running no later than the end of next week.
The airport’s only other ferry, the Oral Freeman, is providing primary service to and from Gravina Island until then. It leaves Ketchikan on the quarter hour and Gravina Island on the hour and half hour between 6:15 a.m. and 9:30 p.m. The airport encourages travelers to arrive early in case of longer wait times.
The Ken Eichner-2 was built in 2013 and has a crew of two. The Oral Freeman was built in 2001.
Hunter Morrison is a Report for America corps member for KRBD. Your donation to match our RFA grant helps keep him writing stories like this one. Please consider making a tax-deductible contribution.
