Mahalat

Black Ball Line purchased the Malahat in 1942. She was the only vessel brought in from California to retain its original name. Originally known as the “Napa Valley”, the Mahalat intended to replace the aging Olympic on the Port Angeles-Victoria run. The traffic on the Bremerton route called for another ferry, and the Malahat, now painted in the trademark Black Ball livery, was placed into service on that route. Her running mates were the Kalakala, Chippewa, Enetai and Willapa. A little over a year later, on 18 March 1943, an errant cigarette set the passenger cabin on fire. The Bremerton fire department responded with five fire trucks to combat the blaze. In addition, the Navy sent out two firefighting tugs to assist. The weight of the water being pumped into the cabin caused the Malahat to list dangerously. Fearing that she would roll over, the ferry was towed to Manette and beached.