Seattle, WA — Washington State Ferries (WSF) has reported damage to a propeller on the Walla Walla, one of two vessels serving the busy Seattle–Bremerton route.
According to WSF, the damage was discovered during routine operations. An initial investigation revealed that one blade of the ferry’s 57-year-old propeller had sheared off, prompting further inspection and assessment.
Officials have not yet released details on what caused the damage or how long repairs may take. The incident highlights ongoing challenges with the aging ferry fleet, many of which have been in service for decades.
Washington State Ferries stated that safety remains the top priority and that updates will be provided as more information becomes available. Passengers traveling on the Seattle–Bremerton route are encouraged to check service alerts and plan for possible delays or schedule adjustments.
Yesterday, we discovered damage to a propeller on the Walla Walla, one of two vessels on our Seattle/Bremerton route. During our initial investigation, it was discovered that one of the blades on the 57-year-old propellor sheared off. pic.twitter.com/goO19TR7qv
— Washington State Ferries (@wsferries) January 2, 2026