M/V Chilkat
History
NameChilkat
Owner Alaska Marine Highway System
Port of registry United States
BuilderJ.M. Martinac Shipbuilding Company[1]
Cost$300,000[1]
Launched1957[1]
Decommissioned1988[2]
Out of service2021
FateSank January 13, 2021, raised January 28, 2021
General characteristics
Length99 ft (30 m)[1]
RampsBow
Capacity
  • 59 passengers
  • 15 vehicles[1]
Original Welcome Aboard brochure from the Chilkat. Front.

The M/V Chilkat was the first ferry purpose built for what was to become the Alaska Marine Highway. Originally built to serve the Lynn Canal out of Juneau, she was built with a bow ramp that allowed her 59 passengers and 15 vehicles to offload on an unimproved beach as well as a dock.[1]

History

In 1948, Chilkoot Motorship Lines provided ferry service between Haines and Juneau using the M/V Chilkoot, a surplus WWII landing craft. The line provided weekly service carrying up to 14 vehicles with limited passenger accommodations.[3] The cost of operating a single vessel proved too great for the company, and in 1951 they sold their assets to the Alaska Territorial Board of Road Commissioners,[1] who continued to run the Chilkoot.

The needs of the ferry service outgrew the Chilkoot, and the territorial government commissioned the construction of the Chilkat to replace her in 1957.[3] She became the first vessel of the Alaska Marine Highway when it was established in 1963.[4] After breaking loose from her mooring during a severe windstorm on January 13, 2021, she capsized and sank west of the Guemes ferry dock in the Guemes Channel in Anacortes, WA. The vessel had most recently been used as a scallop tender.

Role

Amenities

Sale

In 1988, the state of Alaska sold the Chilkat for $50,000 to a private party. After that, it served various roles in Alaska's marine industry, hauling various cargoes like fish or even Christmas trees.[2]

Chilkat Welcome Aboard brochure. Back.

Island Scallops

In 2012, Chilkat was purchased by Island Scallops for use as a scallop tender.[5]

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Kiffer, Dave (July 7, 2006). "THE GRAND SHIPS OF THE ALASKA MARINE HIGHWAY SYSTEM". Sit News. Retrieved June 26, 2013.
  2. 1 2 McKibben, Jackinsky (August 17, 2011). "After years of service, Chilkat's future uncertain". Homer News. Archived from the original on May 28, 2012. Retrieved June 26, 2013.
  3. 1 2 "Alaska Marine Highway Celebrates 50 Years". milepost.com. Retrieved June 26, 2013.
  4. ↑ "History of the Alaska Marine Highway". Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities. State of Alaska. Retrieved June 26, 2013.
  5. ↑ Friedrich, Ed (Mar 8, 2013). "Scallop farmer thrilled to integrate former state ferry into operation". Kitsap Sun. Retrieved November 23, 2014.


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