Nearly five months after a previous sale of the 'Elwha' was canceled, Washington State Ferries (WSF) has found a new buyer for the ferry, which was purchased by the Everett Ship Repair for $100,000 on Jan 23, 2025. A tug was scheduled to arrive at the Bainbridge Island Ferry Terminal at 9 a.m. to begin to move the vessel. Everett Ship Repair plans to convert the ferry into a floating office and warehouse space at its shipyard after some modifications. In Aug 2024, Nelson Armas attempted to tow the 'Elwha' and 'Klahowya' to Ecuador after purchasing both from WSF. He hired four sailors to tow the ferries, but the towing equipment malfunctioned. The sale was cancelled and WSF returned the ferries to the Eagle Harbor Maintenance Facility on Bainbridge Island. The men alleged to the Seattle Seafarers Center that Armas left them with inadequate supplies, saying they did not have enough food or water and hadn't been paid. Eventually, the crew was deported by Customs and Border Patrol because their work permits were no longer valid. Armas denies the allegations of mistreatment.
News
NORTHUMBERLAND
Sold/Decommissioned
On Jan 26, 2025, the 'Northumberland' (formerly the Elbe ferry 'Fanafjord') arrived in Pictou. The ferrywill serve the Wood Islands, Prince Edward Island to Caribou, Nova Scotia route. She was acquired by the Government of Canada as an interim solution to replace the former 'Holiday Island'. The vessel will now undergo final refit work to prepare for service. This vessel allows for a safe and reliable two-vessel service between Woods Islands, Prince Edward Island, and Caribou, Nova Scotia. The 'Northumberland' is expected to be ready for service for the beginning of the 2025 operating season. Report with photo: https://www.canada.ca/en/transport-canada/news/2025/01/canada-welcomes-the-arrival-of-the-mv-northumberland.html
