Updated at 7:09 p.m., Friday, November 9, 2007
One of two Honolulu commuter ferries out for repairs
Advertiser Staff
One of the city's two commuter ferries will likely be out of service for three weeks or more while a faulty engine is replaced, officials said.The 149-passenger Rachel Marie was taken out of service Thursday.
City Transportation Director Melvin Kaku said mechanics found that the crankshaft in one of the vessel's two diesel engines was damaged.
Hornblower Marine Services, which operates the ferries, will pay for a new engine it has ordered from the Mainland, he said. The engine should arrive here sometime next week.
It was not immediately clear how long final repairs would take, but the vessel will probably be out of service until at least December, Kaku said.
The problems mean the 6 a.m. sailings from Kalaeloa and 5:20 p.m. departures from Aloha Tower will be replaced by shuttle buses.
The 7:05 a.m. departures from Aloha Tower and 4 p.m. trips from Kalaeloa have also been canceled.
