The Pierce County Ferry will operate on its holiday schedule on Memorial Day, May 30.
The ferry will operate a one-boat service, instead of a two-boat service that is typically offered on holiday weekends. The M/V Steilacoom II will handle the holiday schedule, as the M/V Christine Anderson’s main engines and marine gears are undergoing an overhaul at a local shipyard.
Plan ahead for extreme tides
Pierce County ferry riders in large vehicles and vehicles with low ground clearance - such as an RV, commercial truck or a vehicle towing a trailer – traveling to or from Anderson and Ketron islands should plan ahead to avoid extreme tides May 27.
Load restrictions will be in place on some sailings during extreme tides, and riders may be asked to go on a different sailing. Extreme tides are expected from 3:10-5:10 p.m. and 10:15 p.m. to 12:15 a.m. May 27.
Crew members will be checking all large vehicles and vehicles towing trailers that arrive during sailings affected by the extreme tides. Riders can call Steve Caputo, HMS Ferries, Inc. general manager, at (253) 588-5290 to discuss which run might work best for them.
“Ferry crew and staff will work with travelers to minimize inconveniences,” Caputo said. “We can avoid damage to vehicles, ramps and the ferry by being conservative during extreme tides.”
Extreme tides are expected regularly this spring and summer. Ferry riders in large vehicles should consider calling ahead of time for more information and to discuss their preferred sailing through Sept. 5.
Holiday weekends during the spring and summer typically see increased traffic and an increase in large vehicles.
The Pierce County Ferry System provides service between Steilacoom, Anderson Island and Ketron Island. More information about the system is available at www.piercecountywa.org/ferry.
MEDIA CONTACTS:Deb Wallace, Public Works airport and ferry administrator
(360) 909-8198
[email protected]
Steve Caputo, HMS Ferries, Inc. general manager
(253) 588-5290