The nearly 50-year old ferry has been tied up since 2019 to save money.
"M/V Columbia"
Ferry system budget cuts jeopardize ocean acidification testing along Inside Passage
The Columbia made regular thousand mile runs between Bellingham, Washington, and Skagway, and takes a water sample every two minutes. But now she is tied up in Ketchikan’s south berth for the foreseeable future.
In Ketchikan, stranded passengers and striking workers as Alaska’s ferry system shuts down
There’s confusion and disappointment at Alaska’s marine terminals after a strike shut down the state ferry system.
Ferry Columbia still under repair, expected back in service July 13
The Columbia is expected to resume its schedule after leaving Bellingham on July 13.
Ferry malfunction disrupts Juneau-bound Fred Meyer produce shipment
The Columbia was loading in Bellingham on Friday when ferry workers discovered the problem.