HI Superferry: Drydock Extended through Mar.24

The above picture was forwarded from Dr. Lee Tepley taken by an anonymous professional photographer. Click on image.

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OK, it was easier e-mailing out the news when Pacific Business News reported it online late yesterday. We'll start first with this:

Wednesday, February 20, 2008 - 4:24 PM HST
Hawaii Superferry drydock extended
Pacific Business News (Honolulu)
The Hawaii Superferry will be out of commission for repairs three weeks longer than originally expected. The interisland ferry Alakai was taken out of service Feb. 13 and was to be put back into service on March 3. On Wednesday, Superferry officials said the ship would go back into service on March 25. The company said the work was extended announced "due to damage to Alakai's hull that occurred during the drydocking process and additional maintenance that was identified while the vessel has been in drydock."

And the next day from the Honolulu Advertiser:

Posted on: Thursday, February 21, 2008
Superferry to be out of service until March 25
Advertiser Staff

..."Hawaii Superferry president and CEO John Garibaldi said the rudder problem is the result of a design flaw, and that staff from shipbuilder Austal USA came to Honolulu to assist with repairs, which involve strengthening the metal around the [rudder] housing.
He said a similar vessel built by Austal recently experienced the same rudder trouble.
Terry O'Halloran, Hawaii Superferry director of business development, said the rudder repairs are expected to be completed in the next few days, but that work will continue on fixing the Alakai's hull, which suffered dents while it was being maneuvered into drydock by a tugboat and during the drydock operation."...

And the following with permission from Juan Wilson's page http://www.islandbreath.org/ on Kauai:

SUBJECT: SUPERFERRY DAMAGE
SOURCE: BILL SCHULTZ
Superferry damaged on way to dry dock
[Editor's Note: The following report was held until a partial confirmation was available from the Honolulu Advertiser. This story, if true, is more bad news for the future operation of the Superferry.-Juan Wilson]
Did tug seriuously damage Superferry? by Bill Schultz on 19 February 2008
"I just heard an unconfirmed report from a sea-faring friend on Maui. She says the ferry was being towed into drydock when the lines parted. She went aground and got stuck in the mud. A tug was called to push her off. It pushed a big hole in the side, damaging two of her ribs and at least two of the decks. Major repairs. Cursed ship? Have you heard anything about this?" END QUOTE

BTW, I don't believe Kauila Clark's blessing worked on the Alakai. If they try to operate again commercially here in Hawaii, I might recommend they seek another blessing.

Aloha, Brad