Columbia out of service until end of the year

The Alaska state ferry Columbia - which has been out of service since late November for its annual overhaul and repairs but was supposed to go back to work this summer - will be laid up until the end of the year.

Extensive corrosion in the 51-year-old ship's fire suppression system is the reason for the extra time in the shipyard, Department of Transportation spokesman Sam Dapcevich said Friday, May 17.

During the Columbia's extended absence, the Alaska Marine Highway System has diverted the Kennicott out of layup for the weekly run between Bellingham, Washington, and Southeast Alaska. The rou...