Three-stop ferry to start new season

A three-stop interisland ferry is to resume service on Friday after a four-month hiatus.

Rainforest Islands Ferry anticipates a 26-week run through the summer, connecting communities in Wrangell, Petersburg and on Prince of Wales Island.

Launched by North End Ferry Authority last year, the service experienced a series of operational setbacks. There were delays in repurposing the Rainforest Islander, a 65-foot landing craft formerly used by a Haines lumber company. The circuit was bumped back from June to August, and again to September.

It was again laid up for repairs in October, before service was wound down entirely by December.

“Our traffic was not sufficient during the fall to keep the boat running,” explained Kent Miller, general manager for Rainforest Islands Ferry.

The Rainforest Islander has recently undergone additional maintenance at the Wrangell boatyard, getting two keel cooler units replaced. Work was anticipated to finish earlier this week, with the shuttle headed to Coffman Cove to start making its rounds tomorrow.

The ferry’s schedule is set for Sundays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays. Weather-permitting, the ferry begins its days departing Coffman Cove at 9 a.m., arriving in Wrangell just after noon and departing half an hour later. It heads to Banana Point on southern Mitkof Island, arriving just before 2 p.m. and departing again at 2:25 p.m. The Islander arrives in Wrangell at 3:43 p.m. and departs a half-hour later, arriving in Coffman Cove again at 7:21 p.m.

The ferry can take a limited number of vehicles, and walk-ons are welcome.

“The boat has been known to fill up though, so it’s a good idea to book a reservation in advance,” said Miller.

Updated times, fares and other information are available at the service’s website at http://rainforestislandsferry.com.