(SitNews) Petersburg, Alaska - The Alaska Marine Highway System (AMHS) said Tuesday that the M/V Matanuska continues to sail its scheduled service after the May 7th allision or the striking with the Ocean Beauty Seafoods dock in Petersburg, Alaska.

“We are particularly thankful that there were no injuries resulting from the accident,” said Michael Neussl, Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities Deputy Commissioner for Marine Operations.

Shortly after striking the dock, the U.S. Coast Guard inspected the M/V Matanuska to determine if the vessel had sustained any damage that would require immediate repair before resuming ferry service. No significant damage was found and the ferry was cleared to continue passenger service by the Coast Guard.

The exact amount of damage to the seafood processor’s dock is not fully known; an assessment was conducted yesterday.

“This is an unfortunate accident for everyone involved,” said Neussl. “We apologize to Ocean Beauty Seafoods for any disruption this may cause to their operations.”

The exact cause of the incident is still unknown and under AMHS investigation. The vessel was maneuvering for their approach to the AMHS terminal with a strong current on their stern. The ferry crew responded appropriately after the accident with their immediate actions and by notifying appropriate authorities. The personnel on the M/V Matanuska are trained seafarers, and all undergo regular and periodic training in their duties and responsibilities in the event of an incident.

The M/V Matanuska departed Petersburg approximately two hours behind schedule and was able to make up time between ports and the ferry was scheduled to depart on time from Prince Rupert, British Columbia.

The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities (DOT&PF) oversees 254 airports, 11 ferries serving 34 communities, 5,700 miles of highway and 660 public facilities throughout the state of Alaska.

Edited by Mary Kauffman, SitNews

Source of News: 

Alaska Department of Transportation
www.dot.state.ak.us

SitNews ©2012
Stories In The News
Ketchikan, Alaska

Articles & photographs that appear in SitNews may be protected by copyright and may not be reprinted without written permission from and payment of any required fees to the proper sources.