From l., Bryan Thurber and Mark Richardson, the new captains of the Plover ferry. This weekend will mark the first weekend that the historic Plover ferry will be operating this year.
Plover ferry rides normally begin in late May at the Memorial Day weekend, but service was postponed this year due to the retirement of captain Dale Johnson.
Two new captains have now been hired. Bryan Thurber will be the primary captain, while Mark Richardson will be the alternate captain. Both are former masters (captains) of the Whatcom Chief, the county-owned ferry that runs between Gooseberry Point and Lummi Island.
“We’re very lucky to be able to hire these two well-qualified captains,” said Richard Sturgill, founding director of Drayton Harbor Maritime, which operates the Plover ferry and was responsible for its restoration.
Sturgill said it was a challenge to find candidates with merchant mariner credentials who were able to work on weekends and had the right personality for the job. “It’s a niche,” said Sturgill, “but we think we found the right fit.”
This weekend, the Plover will operate at its normal times, which are 12–8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays. The ferry departs from Blaine Harbor on the hour, and from the Semiahmoo Spit on the half hour.
In early June, the two new captains had their orientation and training, which allowed them to practice running the boat on its route.
Comments
No comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here