The fast-vehicle ferry Fairweather canceled its voyage to Sitka today after a mechanical problem was discovered shortly after its departure from Juneau.
Spokesman Jeremy Woodrow says the Fairweather was not far along on its trip to Sitka when the crew detected trouble with the exhaust systems in the ship’s two starboard engines.
Woodrow says the Fairweather immediately turned around and returned to Juneau, where Alaska Marine Highway System engineers were able to get right to work on the problem.
Woodrow says repairs have been completed, and the Fairweather is expected to return to service Thursday on its regular summer run to Angoon and Sitka.
The Fairweather is one of two fast-vehicle ferries operated by the state. The 235-foot catamaran is powered by two engines in each hull. It cruises at about 35 miles per hour.
