Seattle firefighters spent Monday morning racing to keep the MV Skansonia afloat after reports that the historic wooden ferry was taking on water at its permanent berth on north Lake Union. Crews deployed multiple pumps to pull water out of the vessel while they hunted for the source of the leak, which had not been found in early reports. Emergency responders were expected to stay on scene for several hours as the pumps ran in an effort to stabilize the ship. The extent of any damage, along with the status of upcoming events on board, had not yet been determined.
Crews work against an active leak
According to FOX 13 Seattle, the Seattle Fire Department classified the incident as a "sinking vessel" call and said firefighters were using several pumps to move water off the ferry while they searched for the breach. FOX 13 Seattle reported that water continued to pour into the Skansonia even as crews pumped it out and that the exact location of the leak had not yet been identified. Emergency responders were expected to remain alongside the vessel for hours while they fought the flooding.
A floating landmark under stress
The MV Skansonia dates back to 1929, when it was built by the Skansie Brothers, and later operated on ferry routes between Vashon Island and Point Defiance before retirement and conversion to an event venue, according to Landmark Event Co. The ship now lives full time on north Lake Union as a moored venue that lists capacity for roughly 175 seated guests and about 200 standing. With its wooden hull, vintage construction and carefully preserved details, the Skansonia is marketed as a distinctive Seattle landmark that also demands specialized maintenance.
High water and maintenance backdrop
In April, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers cautioned that Lake Washington and Lake Union could see higher-than-usual water levels this spring and urged owners of floating structures to keep an eye on lake elevations and adjust moorings as necessary. The agency said water managers were aiming for an earlier seasonal refill this year to support summer activity on the lakes. It is not known whether lake levels or any maintenance issues had anything to do with Monday’s leak.
What comes next for the Skansonia
Firefighters and venue staff shared initial details with reporters, and FOX 13 Seattle reported that crews planned to stay in place as long as needed while pumps continued running and teams searched for the breach. Landmark Event Co.’s website provides contact information for bookings and questions about the Skansonia, and organizers or guests with upcoming events were advised to check directly with the operator for the latest updates on the venue’s status. This is a developing story.
