Engine problems were cause of trouble with ferry MV Wenatchee

A failed engine was to blame for Saturday's hiccup in ferry service to Bainbridge Island.

A failed engine was to blame for Saturday’s hiccup in ferry service to Bainbridge Island.

The ferry MV Wenatchee was pulled from service for repairs just before 10:30 a.m. Saturday, May 3, and the Bainbridge Island-Seattle route was down to one-boat service for much of the day.

Washington State Ferries officials said Monday the Wenatchee needed repairs after one of four drive motor engines that provide power to the propeller stopped working.

Then, after the engine was repaired, the vessel needed the Coast Guard’s approval before it could be returned to service.

The Wenatchee was out of service for roughly seven hours for engine repairs, and the vessel missed eight sailings. Four of the sailings from Bainbridge Island to Seattle were canceled (10:25 a.m., 12:20 p.m., 2:05 p.m. and 3:50 p.m.), and three trips from Seattle to Bainbridge were called off (11:25 a.m., 1:10 p.m., 3 p.m. and 4:40 p.m.).

The loss of the ferry prompted long lines and extended waits for travelers on both sides of the water.

The Wenatchee was returned to the route on the 5:30 p.m. Bainbridge Island to Seattle sailing.