Ferry vessel Hyak turns 50

March 16, 2017 1:40 pm
Photo courtesy of Washington State Ferries | The ferry M/V Hyak marked its 50th birthday last week with a party and an afternoon among friends, old and new, at Eagle Harbor Maintenance Facility.
Photo courtesy of Washington State Ferries | The ferry M/V Hyak marked its 50th birthday last week with a party and an afternoon among friends, old and new, at Eagle Harbor Maintenance Facility.

The ferry M/V Hyak marked its 50th birthday last week with a party and an afternoon among friends, old and new, at Eagle Harbor Maintenance Facility.

Built in 1967 in San Diego, the Hyak is the first Super class ferry to receive its gold band — a gold stripe added to the stacks – celebrating 50 years in service, officials said.

Amy Scarton, the new assistant secretary of Washington State Ferries, Matt von Ruden, WSF director of vessels, and members of the Hyak’s past and present crew came aboard for cake for conversation to mark the occasion.

Hyak, a Chinook word meaning “fast or speedy,” boasts an 8,000-horsepower capability. It can carry 144 vehicles and 2,000 passengers, according to WSF.