Your story “Winds shut down PT/Coupeville ferry Nov. 26” (The Leader, Nov. 28) needs to be put in perspective. As of Dec. 7, there have been 52 wind-related cancellations on this ferry …
This item is available in full to subscribers.
We have recently launched a new and improved website. To continue reading, you will need to either log into your subscriber account, or purchase a new subscription.
If you had an active account on our previous website, then you have an account here. Simply reset your password to regain access to your account.
If you did not have an account on our previous website, but are a current print subscriber, click here to set up your website account.
Otherwise, click here to view your options for subscribing.
* Having trouble? Call our circulation department at 360-385-2900, or email our support.
Please log in to continue |
|
Your story “Winds shut down PT/Coupeville ferry Nov. 26” (The Leader, Nov. 28) needs to be put in perspective. As of Dec. 7, there have been 52 wind-related cancellations on this ferry crossing in 2018; that compares with 66 in all of 2017 and 51 in 2016. Among other weather-related cancellations, there have been 17 rough-sea events, six related to fog, and no “bad weather/storm” cancellations in more than two years.
This is consistent with the history of the route going back 70 years or more, based on improved technology in the pilothouse.
The total of 75 weather-related cancellations represents well less than 1 percent of scheduled service — about 9,000 crossings per year — comparable to 2016 and 2017. Weather happens!
Ferries are marine highways (state Route 20, in this case). Any highway will have service interruptions based on paving, shoulder work, mowing, vehicle accidents, etc. We are fortunate to have right-sized ferries, parking to match, and a reservation system that serves very well. Let’s appreciate the way ferries work for our community.
FOREST SHOMER
Port Townsend
