The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities reports that the M/V Tustumena’s sailings through Monday, October 4, 2021 have been canceled due to a crew shortage, however no reasoning has been stated as to what the crew shortage is from specifically. The ship is expected to resume service on Tuesday, October 5, 2021.
The Alaska Marine Highway System notified all passengers so they can rebook or receive a refund if necessary. The new sailing schedule is available at www.FerryAlaska.com, or you can contact the AMHS reservation call center by dialing (907) 465-3941 or toll-free at (800) 642-0066.
The M/V Tustumena is currently docked in Homer.
The Alaska Marine Highway System COVID-19 Travel Advisories Page says that in the event that a COVID-19 case is confirmed onboard a mainline vessel, the USCG and the State of Alaska DHSS have the authority to quarantine the vessel at the nearest safe port of call, which may cause a risk of disrupted travel to passengers onboard the vessel which may last an undetermined length of time until passengers and crew can be tested, all tests are negative and the vessel is cleaned and deemed safe to continue service. A travel disruption may cause travelers additional time and unanticipated expense.
The M/V Tustumena serves South Central and Southwest Alaska, including Homer, Kodiak, and the Aleutian Chain to Dutch Harbor. Service is provided year-round to the communities of Kodiak, Ouzinkie, and Port Lions; however, weather restrictions preclude ferry service in the winter to the other communities in the region.
The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities oversees 237 airports, 10 ferries serving 35 communities, over 5,600 miles of highway and 776 public facilities throughout the state of Alaska. The mission of the department is to “Keep Alaska Moving through service and infrastructure.”