Ferry LeConte breaks down, Aurora fills in

The ferry LeConte docks in Skagway in 2009. The ship is in drydock to repair a broken bow thruster. (J Webber/Creative Commons)
The ferry LeConte docks in Skagway in 2009. The ship is  tied up in Juneau due to a generator failure. (J Webber/Creative Commons)

The Alaska Marine Highway ferry Aurora is scheduled to take over LeConte sailings on Friday, April 4.

A generator on the LeConte failed on Wednesday, when the LeConte was on its way from Prince William Sound to Ketchikan for a mandated inspection.

Spokesman Jeremy Woodrow says the ship diverted to Juneau, where the inspection is being done.

Woodrow says the LeConte’s repair time is not yet known.

“They’re still working on assessing the situation. The LeConte will most likely be out for the weekend. But the Aurora will be capable of filling in for it until it is back online,” he says.

The Aurora and LeConte are nearly identical ships. Both carry about 300 passengers and 34 vehicles.

The Aurora missed sailings last month when part of its steering system broke down. The Juneau-based LeConte missed sailings in December due to problems with its bow-thruster, which is used for docking.  It sails to Haines, Skagway, Tenakee Springs, Angoon, Hoonah and Gustavus.

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