KELLER, Wash. — Eastern Washington’s Keller Ferry across the Columbia River on State Route 21 has been knocked out of service because of a hairline crack below the waterline.
The state Department of Transportation says the crack is allowing water to seep into one of the Sanpoil’s internal compartments.
The agency advised the U.S. Coast Guard about the issue Tuesday afternoon and the vessel was taken out of passenger service.
Divers from the builder, Foss Maritime of Seattle, inspected the boat Tuesday and located the small crack in the aluminum plate. The cause has not been determined.
The Transportation Department is working with Foss Maritime to make repairs. There is no estimate on when the ferry service will resume.
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