Drifting Commercial Boat Blocks Mukilteo Ferry Approach, Coast Guard Responds
A 100 foot commercial fishing vessel, the Mary B, broke free from moorings near Everett on December 12 and drifted into the Mukilteo ferry approach, briefly blocking a Tokitae docking in the dark. The Coast Guard took the unlit vessel in tow after ferry crews guided the Tokitae past with floodlights, an incident that raises safety concerns for Island County commuters and waterfront residents.
Late on December 12 a 100 foot commercial fishing vessel identified as the Mary B broke free from its moorings at a pier near Everett and drifted downriver into Puget Sound. The unmanned, unlit vessel entered the approach to the Mukilteo ferry terminal after dark, briefly obstructing the docking path of the Tokitae.
Washington State Ferries posted video of the encounter showing ferry operators using powerful floodlights to guide the Tokitae slowly past the drifting Mary B while Coast Guard crews worked to secure and tow the vessel. The Coast Guard took the Mary B in tow and removed the hazard from the approach, allowing normal ferry operations to resume. The ferries social media post drew widespread reaction online as commuters and residents watched footage of the close call.
Local officials praised the training and professionalism of ferry and Coast Guard crews for averting a potential collision and for maintaining passenger safety during a challenging nighttime situation. The incident highlights the particular risks posed by unlit drifting vessels in busy waterways, and the way those risks can ripple into ferry schedules and island commutes.
For Island County residents who rely on the Mukilteo Clinton route, the episode is a reminder of the vulnerability of marine infrastructure in winter weather and tidal conditions. Even brief blockages at the Mukilteo approach can create delays and heighten safety concerns for passengers, vehicles, and crew. The event underlines the importance of secure moorings, adequate vessel lighting, and rapid response coordination among local ports, the ferry system, and federal responders.
Maritime authorities and community leaders are expected to review the circumstances that allowed the Mary B to drift into the ferry approach and to emphasize preventive steps for waterfront owners and operators. The swift joint response by ferry and Coast Guard personnel demonstrated the region's capacity to manage unexpected navigation hazards and to protect the daily connections that link Island County to the mainland.
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