The 48-year-old Elwha will remain out of service for approximately four months while crews perform emergency repairs to a drive motor.

“We realize having one of our mid-sized vessels out for an extended period of time puts a strain on travelers, especially during the height of our busiest season,” says Washington State Ferries. “Until further notice, the 124-car Kitsap will continue to serve the Anacortes/San Juan Islands route in place of the Elwha.”

While the 124-car capacity Kitsap holds 20 fewer cars than the 144-car Elwha, this plan avoids large service reductions to the Islands during this busy travel period.