Workers Accidentally Drill Hole in Washington Ferry Hull

Maintenance workers accidentally drilled a hole through the hull of the Washington state ferry Walla Walla causing a leak.

The ferry system says it happened Saturday at the Eagle Harbor maintenance facility where the ferry was undergoing routine annual maintenance.

Crews had drilled one hole in the bilge deck to drain dirty water and paint chips. They were drilling a second hole nearly 2 inches in diameter when it breached the hull.

Workers made a temporary repair with a clamp on the inside and pressure patch on the outside. A permanent repair planned this week will delay the ferry’s return to service.

The 440-foot Walla Walla can carry 188 cars and 2,000 passengers.