Ferry crashes into West Seattle dock, disrupting service to Vashon Island

Update:

Two boat service started back up on the Fauntleroy/Vashon Island/Southworth ferry route late Thursday evening.

Drivers experienced three-hour waits after the MV Cathlamet crashed into the Fauntleroy dock shortly before 8 a.m. Thursday morning, severely damaging the ferry and some cars onboard. No one was injured.

The Coast Guard is investigating the incident. The crew onboard the MV Cathlamet will be alcohol and drug tested.

State ferries spokesperson Ian Sterling said damage to the vessel is extensive after it went far off course and rammed into a dolphin offshore from the dock. Dolphins are pilings that guide the ferry into the dock.

Original story:

A ferry crashed into a structure at the Fauntleroy ferry dock in West Seattle Thursday morning, suspending service at the terminal.

The MV Cathlamet crashed into a "dolphin" (a ferry structure, not an animal) immediately outside the dock. Dolphins are used to guide the ferry into the terminal.

According to Washington State Ferries, the Cathlamet had a "hard landing at Fauntleroy causing significant damage to the vessel and an offshore dolphin at the terminal. No injuries to report at this time. Fauntleroy service suspended until further notice while assessment is done."

"Significant" wait times are expected on the Fauntleroy/Vashon/Southworth route, according to WSF. It is recommended that travelers find alternate routes.

The ferry terminal at Fauntleroy provides service to Vashon Island and Southworth on the Kitsap Peninsula.

The MV Issaquah has been dispatched to cover the route between Vashon and Southworth while the Cathlamet is out of service.

The MV Cathlamet has a capacity of 124 vehicles. It was last rebuilt in 1993.

This is a developing story and will be updated.