Editor,

Danger in the making: The decision to continue with the development of the electric hybrid ferry design and implementation is fraught with one uniquely dangerous element which is being ignored. The design incorporates massive lithium batteries which when exposed to heat and/or fire generate cyanide gas. This gas causes death within minutes of exposure and there would not be adequate time to confront its release. Fires do happen at times on ferries and the onboard autos and cargo.

This is suspected as a possible cause for the loss of Malaysian Flight 370, which carried a cargo pallet of 4,000 pounds of such batteries. Recent funding approval by Governor Fergusen’s office without considering better technology is reckless and could result in massive future loss of life. A fully proven safe hydrogen ferry, The MV Sea Change, was recently demonstrated in San Francisco, designed from among Washington state sources. The billions projected for the hybrid ferries should be redirected toward the implementation of the hydrogen ferries, which would prevent a possible disaster and provide leap years in design and savings. The hybrid electric ferries will be outdated by the time they are fully established.

Thomas Carey

Oak Harbor