The M/V Issaquah ferry in Washington was hit by a terrifying incident this week when a video surfaced on social media showing the ship being engulfed by the sea due to strong waves. The one-minute and 14-second video captured the water filling up parts of the ferry as it traveled near the Strait of Juan de Fuca toward Anacortes.
Washington State Ferries confirmed that there were no passengers on board, only the crew and some vehicles. The footage, captured by a company employee, shows the water beginning to enter the ferry and surrounding the vehicles while the waves of the sea shake the ship violently in the background.
The company stated that the situation arose due to the speed of the winds, which reportedly reached up to 40 kilometers per hour. The National Meteorological Service also confirmed that Washington has been experiencing major storms in recent days, contributing to the rough sea conditions.
Washington State Ferries, the largest ferry system in the United States, clarified that the ship’s captain had anticipated a positive weather forecast for the journey but encountered much rougher sea conditions than expected after leaving the Puget Sound Shelter.
The alarming video has raised concerns about the safety of ferry travel, particularly during inclement weather. The company has not yet made a statement regarding any future safety measures or changes in the wake of this incident. The incident serves as a reminder that even the most reliable means of transportation are not immune to the forces of nature.