Engine Trouble Strands Columbia Ferry at Whittier Dock for Four Hours

The Alaska Marine Highway System ferry Columbia sat idle at the Whittier dock for more than four hours on May 5 after engine trouble prevented its scheduled departure for Prince William Sound.

The vessel remained stationary from around 1 p.m. local time with no official departure announced, according to marine tracking data and reports from passengers waiting to board. The delay affected dozens of vehicles and hundreds of passengers planning to travel to Valdez, Cordova, and other ports along the Prince William Sound route.

The Alaska Department of Transportation confirmed the mechanical issue in a service notice posted May 5, stating the Columbia's updated schedule was pending. A crew member reported on social media that the crew was working on engine trouble but facing supply issues.

Passengers who checked in three hours before departure, as required by AMHS policy, faced an extended wait with no clear timeline for boarding. One commuter reported that children would be late for activities because of the stranded vehicles. Another passenger noted the lack of departure information as the delay stretched past the four-hour mark.

The Columbia has experienced mechanical problems before. A small fire aboard the vessel in August 2023 sent passengers and crew to the hospital for evaluation. Recent repairs to thrusters and pipes across the AMHS fleet have been documented in service notices.

The ferry system has experienced mechanical delays throughout the past year. The Kennicott recently emerged late from an overhaul due to supply and labor issues.

AMHS policies acknowledge that mechanical issues can occur without warning. The system advises passengers to call reservations at 1-800-642-0066 for updates during delays. No injuries or safety concerns were reported in connection with the engine trouble on May 5.

The Columbia typically serves the Prince William Sound route, connecting Whittier with Valdez and Cordova. The vessel carries both passengers and vehicles.

The extended wait at the dock meant disrupted plans for travelers who had coordinated their schedules around the ferry's published departure time, according to passenger reports on social media.

Passengers seeking current information about the Columbia's status can check the AMHS service notices page at dot.alaska.gov/amhs/service_notices.shtml or contact reservations directly at 1-800-642-0066. The department's service notice indicated an updated schedule was pending but did not specify when the vessel would resume service.