Posted on Wednesday, December 7, 2011 by Martin Cox
KALAKALA in lay up on Hylebos Waterway, Tacoma, Washington, August 12, 2005 Photo © Shawn J. Dake
Steve Rodrigues and a band of loyal volunteers are keeping KALAKALA afloat, but the Coast Guard wants him to move her, concerned that the rusting former ferry could sink in the Hylebos Waterway, Tacoma.
Rodrigues bought KALAKALA in 2003 when she was berthed on Seattle’s Lake Union. After complaints that she was an eyesore, he moved her to Neah Bay, Again she was asked to leave. KALAKALA found a safe mooring in Tacoma but the ferry began sinking. Rodrigues rescued her again got her on an even keel, but now has lost his lease.
The Coast Guard has also demanded the move concerned that she could go down in the Hylebos Waterway and disrupt commerce. A deadline has been set, January 1st, after that a daily fine maybe imposed of $32,000 per day.
Ever hopeful, Steve Rodrigues is looking for investors, failing that the ship could be sold for as little as one dollar, but with the condition to restore the KALAKALA and not sell her on for scrap.
More on Rodrigues’s proposals to save the KALAKALA at http://www.kalakala.org/
For a detailed history of the KALAKALA please see Steven J. Pickens website at http://www.evergreenfleet.com/kalakalasplashpage.html
Mark D.
December 9, 2011 at 7:58 pm
I have been following the sad saga of this poor vessel since it came down from Alaska. I have always hoped that somehow, volunteers with resources would be able to pitch in, stabilize the hull and begin a serious restoration. Sadly, I don’t see this happening. I fear the end is near. I wish I could help, but I’m too far away and without the means.
Mark D.
Shawn Liu
December 15, 2011 at 4:18 pm
I’m a volunteer on the Kalakala and after we got King 5 to do the news segment, Steve, the owner has been getting a lot of offers!! The coast guard and the land owner all want her to stay where she is! Total Change of heart!!
shawn
sliu82.wordpress.com
Martin Cox
December 15, 2011 at 11:46 pm
Thank you for the update Shawn, Please let us know what happens, best of luck – Martin, MaritimeMatters.com
Ben Dorris
January 12, 2012 at 11:53 pm
I’m pleased to report that volunteers have stepped up to the plate of the cause of saving Kalakala. In recent weeks, she has gotten a new coat of paint for the first time in 35 years! Negotiations are underway to secure her moorage and continue with the restoration process.
Martin Cox
January 15, 2012 at 4:10 pm
Great to hear some news Ben, do you have a photo of that newly painted ship that we can post?
thanks,
Martin
Chris
January 15, 2012 at 7:17 pm
Glad to hear the uplifting news about this unusual vessel. I hope to get out there to see her and kick in some elbow grease one of these days.
Dave Lee
January 23, 2012 at 7:24 am
The Kalakala was damaged in a storm last week and is in danger of being seized by the US Corps of Army Engineers.
http://www.seattlepi.com/local/article/Kalakala-reportedly-damaged-in-storm-is-the-end-2674496.php#photo-475852
Dave Lee
January 23, 2012 at 7:25 am
Also, here is a gallery of photos I took of Kalakala on 12-21-2011
http://hull534.smugmug.com/Boats/MV-Kalakala-12-21-2011/20702545_NBx9gm
IHStewart
February 2, 2012 at 11:22 am
Let her die before she kills. Ferry’s are passenger vessels and as we see in he south pacific and I guess other parts of the world they have a life span and trying to extend it is pointless. Princess Ashika and now Rabaul Queen should have taught us the pointless stupidity of running out dated ferry’s
http://www.skipper.co.nz/ISSUES/S75%20Ferry%20Deaths%20p60-61.pdf
Troy Menting
November 15, 2012 at 4:46 pm
I’m interested in volunteering my help with the Kalakala…..where would I start and who could I contact? Thanks, Troy~