The MV Quinault was a Steel Electric-class ferry operated by Washington State Ferries, notable for its long service history and distinctive construction. Originally built as the MV Redwood Empire in Oakland for Northwestern Pacific, the vessel was designed to serve Southern Pacific Railways on their Golden Gate Ferries line across San Francisco Bay. Although specific construction details such as dimensions and tonnage are not provided in the source, the vessel's classification as a Steel Electric indicates it was part of a series of electrically powered ferries built for efficient regional transit. In 1940, the ferry was purchased by the Puget Sound Navigation Company (PSN), brought to Puget Sound, and renamed Quinault. She then served PSN until 1951, when Washington State Ferries took over operations, integrating her into their fleet. The vessel’s service spanned several decades, during which she became a recognizable part of the regional ferry system. Notably, the Quinault appeared in a scene of the 2002 film "The Ring," highlighting her cultural presence. The MV Quinault, along with other vessels of her class, was withdrawn from service on November 20, 2007, due to hull corrosion issues that compromised safety. At the time, she was not in active service. Subsequently, on June 19, 2009, Washington State Ferries sold the Quinault and the entire Steel Electric class for $200,000 to Eco Planet Recycling, Inc. of Chula Vista, California. The ferry was towed to Ensenada, Mexico, where she was dismantled and scrapped in August 2009. While specific technical specifications are not detailed in the provided source, the MV Quinault’s history reflects her role as a significant regional ferry, representing mid-20th-century electric ferry design and service in the Pacific Northwest. Her transition from commercial service to scrapping marks the end of her operational life, but her legacy remains part of the maritime history of Washington State Ferries.

This description has been generated using GPT-4.1-NANO based on the Vessel's wikidata information and then modified by ShipIndex.org staff.