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SKAGIT COUNTY - Due to an unexpected necessary engine repair, the Guemes Island Ferry will provide passenger-only service on Monday, Nov. 26, 2012, on the 8:00 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. sailings.

Early this week, a leak was found in the #2 main engine onboard the Guemes Island Ferry. This engine is the engine that was re-built in 2011 and installed in the ferry in October during this year's annual haul-out and maintenance period. Several mechanics, including the ferry mechanic, have been working after hours the last two nights to determine the cause of the leak. Early this morning, they discovered that the leak is in the lower portion of the block and the engine will need to be replaced with the spare. The engine replacement is scheduled for Monday night, November 26, 2012, at 7:00 p.m. The car ferry will do its last run at 6:45 p.m., and then transition to Dakota Creek Shipyard. Arrow Launch will provide passenger-only service on the last two runs of the night on Monday night at 8:00 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. Arrow Launch will also be on stand-by at the Cap Sante Marina throughout the night for emergencies. If the repair/replacement goes smoothly, it is anticipated that the car ferry will return to service Tuesday morning, November 27, 2012 at 6:30 a.m.

Skagit County sincerely apologizes for any inconvenience this may cause. With the Thanksgiving holiday weekend coming up, we understand how important ferry service is. We are doing everything we can to minimize the impact to the ridership. Updates to this information will be posted if anything changes.

For more information, please call the ferry office at (360) 293-6433, or Rachel Beck, Ferry Operations Division Manager, at (360) 419-7618, or email rachelb@co.skagit.wa.us.