| Columbia (ferry) | The year's most spectacular mishap was probably that of the luxurious new $20 million Alaska ferry Columbia, which struck the West Francis Rock as she was northbound through the narrow Peril Strait just north of Sitka. The rock ripped open about 100 feet along the starboard hull of the 418-foot vessel, which was carrying about 300 passengers and 58 vehicles through choppy water and high winds in mid-October. It was reported that the tidal currents were even worse than usual in the already restricted and dangerous passage. Following the collision the Columbia was taken into a nearby harbor, where the damage was assessed and the determination made to proceed to Sitka, where passengers and vehicles were picked up by the smaller ferry LeConte. The Columbia then returned to Seattle under her own power for drydocking and repairs at the Lockheed yard where she was built. Gordon Newell, Maritime Events of 1974, H. W. McCurdy Marine History of the Pacific Northwest 1966 to 1975., p.166. |
| Citation: Tacoma Public Library |
| Columbia (ferry) | The year's most spectacular mishap was probably that of the luxurious new $20 million Alaska ferry Columbia, which struck the West Francis Rock as she was northbound through the narrow Peril Strait just north of Sitka. The rock ripped open about 100 feet along the starboard hull of the 418-foot vessel, which was carrying about 300 passengers and 58 vehicles through choppy water and high winds in mid-October. It was reported that the tidal currents were even worse than usual in the already restricted and dangerous passage. Following the collision the Columbia was taken into a nearby harbor, where the damage was assessed and the determination made to proceed to Sitka, where passengers and vehicles were picked up by the smaller ferry LeConte. The Columbia then returned to Seattle under her own power for drydocking and repairs at the Lockheed yard where she was built. Gordon Newell, Maritime Events of 1974, H. W. McCurdy Marine History of the Pacific Northwest 1966 to 1975., p.166. |
| Citation: Tacoma Public Library |