Ferry Columbia sidelined in Ketchikan; 380 need new travel plans

The state ferry Columbia was sidelined Sunday at the Ketchikan shipyard for repairs, and Alaska Marine Highway System staff members were finding alternative travel means for 380 passengers, officials said.

It wasn’t immediately clear how long repairs would take.

“The safety and comfort of our customers are our primary concern right now and we are going to do everything possible to give these folks options to get them where they need to go,” said Capt. John Falvey, AMHS general manager. “We have ships going north and south all week and so we hope the disruption in their travel plans is only temporary.”