RICH PASSAGE 1

General information

Course/Position

Latest news

Ferry sidelined after collision with log

On Oct 16, 2018, short after the 7.10 p.m. departure from Bremerton to Seattle, the "Rich Passage 1" hit what was believed to be a floating log and returned to Bremerton. 17 passengers were onboard the ferry during the incident; no injuries were reported. The 7:45 p.m. route leaving Seattle was canceled for precautionary measures. 15 pass-holders were provided with tickets to ride the Washington State Ferries. Kitsap Transit marine mechanics inspected the ferry, but no damage has been found. An object was believed to have gotten stuck in the ferry's foil at the bottom of the ship, causing drag and noise.

Repairs of engine completed

The "Rich Passage 1" was back in service on Apr 3, 2018, after all sailings were cancelled again on Apor 2. The ferry was out of service after crews replaced all four engines. Passengers wishing to ride the 30-minute ferry had to find alternative means at the weekend. Now the "Rich Passage 1" successfully completed sea trials and the U.S. Coast Guard approved the repairs made.

Another mishap for new ferry

New mechanical issues canceled all sailings of the "Rich Passage 1" in the afternoon of Sep 14, 2015 and the disruption continued on Sep 15. A high water alarm went off on the 8:35 a.m. sailing from Seattle to Bremerton. Mechanics found water in a compartment that holds one of the ferry's electrical propulsion control boxes. The box, which controls one of the ferry's water jets, had a fried motherboard. The water got into the compartment because of a malfunctioning intake strainer, which helps filter seawater as part of the ferry's cooling system. The part was new, having been replaced last month after the RP1 suffered generator issues. Mechanics had replacement parts on hand for both the strainer and the motherboard. The ferry already had experienced issues with a propulsion control box early on in its run. That box had to be replaced entirely. In the just over two months since it was put into service, the ferry has also been sidelined by engine issues, a cracked hull and problems with the exhaust system.