Keller Ferry out of service for repairs

KELLER– The Keller Ferry across the Columbia River on State Route 21 is out of service until further notice, the Washington Department of Transporation said Tuesday afternoon.

Water is seeping into one of the Sanpoil's internal compartments through a hairline crack below the waterline. The DOT advised the US Coast Guard of the issue shortly after 1 p.m., Tuesday, Sept. 9, and the vessel was taken out of passenger service.

The 1.75-inch hairline crack is located on the port side of the vessel about 14 feet back from the front propeller.  The seepage site is in the hull plate just above the keel.

Divers from the vessel builder, Foss Maritime of Seattle, inspected the boat Tuesday and located the small crack in the aluminum plate. The cause has not yet been determined.

DOT is working with Foss Maritime to determine what repairs will be required and how the work will be done.  There is no estimate on costs or when the ferry service will resume. Drivers will need to use alternate routes to reach their destinations.