The Story of the Cathlamet 

The Cathlamet was built in the 1980s as one of six “Issaquah class” ferries.  From the very beginning, she was a force to be reckoned with.  Plagued with mechanical problems, the Cathlamet promptly demolished both the Clinton and Mukilteo ferry docks.  As a result of her bullish behavior, she was nicknamed “the Can’t-land-it” and “the Crash-lamet.” 

The Cathlamet was ultimately pulled from service, so she could test out a number of new propulsion systems.  By the 2000s, her entire computer system was replaced.  Alas, this was not enough.  In 2007, she again crashed into the ferry dock at Mukilteo and caused more than $1 million in damages.

In 2014, the Cathlamet was assigned to the Vashon Triangle route.  She continued to suffer from occasional propulsion problems but served the island well for almost a decade. 

On July 28, 2022, the Cathlamet could behave no longer.  At 8 a.m. in the morning, she collided with the dolphin pilings at the Fauntleroy Ferry dock, causing significant damage to her port side, several vehicles, and her reputation. 

She is currently resting in drydock, plotting her return.