State ferry system makes changes to avoid last week’s mistake

After an overloaded ferry had to turn back ahead of a Seahawks preseason game last week, the Washington State Ferries is reviewing loading policies and scheduling extra sailings.

To accommodate potentially large crowds for Friday night’s game, WSF has increased staff at the Seattle, Bremerton, and Bainbridge terminals to help load and count passengers. It has also added two extra sailings on the Sealth (10:15 p.m. out of Bremerton, 11:30 p.m. out of Seattle).

Extra management will also be at the terminals to review loading procedures with staff ahead of time.

The agency recommends planning ahead and signing up for WSF travel alerts if you are crossing Elliott Bay ahead of the game Friday night.

Last Friday evening, the Cathlamet (capacity 1,200) was carrying 1,684 passengers bound for Seattle. Staff “misjudged capacity,” according to a ferry system spokesperson, and the boat had to be turned back to Bremerton. In total, 484 people got off the vessel, but they were given vouchers for a free trip.

The preseason game against the Chicago Bears kicks off at 7 p.m. You can hear the pregame show on 710 ESPN Seattle or KIRO Radio 97.3 FM at 5 p.m.