On February 24, 1967, the ferry Hiyu is launched in Portland, Oregon. The 162-foot vessel is meant to replace the 38-year-old Skansonia on the Tacoma-Vashon run.
Built by the Gunderson Bros. Engineering Corp., the Hiyu was the most noteworthy vessel built in Portland since the 172-foot M. R. Chessman, launched in 1948 by the Albina Engine & Machine Works for Astoria-Megler service on the Columbia River. The M. R. Chessman retired in 1966 with the opening of the lower Columbia River bridge.
The Hiyu spent the next few months completing sea trials, and was put into service in July 1967.
Sources:
The H. W. McCurdy Marine History of the Pacific Northwest, 1966 to 1976 ed. by Gordon Newell (Seattle: The Superior Publishing Company, 1977), xxxvii; "Ferry Hiyu Will Enter Service Next Sunday," The Seattle Times, July 12, 1967, p. 35.
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