KELLER FERRY – The Keller Ferry on SR 21 across the Columbia River is out of service.

One of the two engines on the vessel has some issues that require immediate repairs. Under US Coast Guard regulations the boat cannot be operated in passenger service with only one engine. Parts have been ordered and have been shipped and should arrive early tomorrow morning (Saturday, Dec. 5) and repairs will get underway, the Washington Department of Transportation said.

It is unknown exactly when the vessel can return to service. Until then, motorists are advised to use alternate state routes for their travels. 

The problem is similar to the issues on the other engine, although not as severe, that occurred on Thanksgiving weekend. That first engine was replaced with a spare power plant. The two engines on the vessel are Detroit Diesel/MTU Series 60 and have nearly 15,000 hours in service since the vessel, the M/V Sanpoil, began serving the route in August, 2013.