The port in Skagway, Alaska operated by the Alaska Marine Highway System is currently shut down due to significant damage to the docking infrastructure. Consequently, all ferry operations to and from Skagway have been halted.
Furthermore, the South Klondike Highway connecting Whitehorse and Skagway is facing closures daily between 6 p.m. and 8 a.m. from Carcross, Yukon to the B.C. border because of multiple rock slides that occurred last Tuesday.
Gabe Strong, the public information officer for the Alaska Marine Highway System, reported that initial cracks were noticed on the port’s vehicle bridge and passenger walkway on Thursday. Subsequently, the terminal was closed on Saturday following further cracking as advised by Alaska Department of Transportation engineers.
To address the situation, personnel from the Alaska Department of Transportation are en route to Skagway to supervise the response efforts and provide support to local staff. Commercial divers will soon assess the underwater damage, particularly on the anchor chains, while electricians are working to disconnect all power to the float. Plans are in place to remove the damaged bridge and walkway by Wednesday.
Investigations are ongoing to determine the cause of the incident, with updates to be released once assessments are complete. Fortunately, there were no reported injuries in connection with the damage.
Emphasizing passenger and crew safety as the utmost priority, Gabe Strong stated that operations will resume only after a thorough inspection and full security measures are in place. Although there is currently no set timeline for service resumption, updates will be shared once the damage evaluation is finished.
In response to the situation, the Alaska Marine Highway System is reaching out to passengers with existing reservations to facilitate refunds and assist in making alternative travel arrangements.
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