The Metropolitan King County Council on July 22 presented a proclamation honoring Captain Dan Crabill on the occasion of his retirement after 16 years with the King County Water Taxi.

Councilmember Teresa Mosqueda and Councilmember Lisa Herbold led the recognition in the council chamber and played a King County TV video that described Crabill as the original captain for the water taxi service launched in February 2009. Metro Transit and other speakers credited Crabill with training early crews, advising on vessel design, and helping to steward service growth between downtown Seattle, West Seattle and Vashon Island.

Nut graf: Council remarks and a video highlighted Captain Crabill’s long service, his role in crew training and vessel design, and a November 2, 2023 incident in which staff said Crabill steered the MV Doc Maynard to push an unmoored container barge away from Seattle’s downtown waterfront, preventing greater damage. Metro and county officials praised his leadership and credited his crew.

In remarks recorded in the meeting, Captain Crabill described beginning his maritime career in Alaska and said he was "the original captain hired for the operation and started the King County water taxi operation." Deputy General Manager Ernest Kandoghe, Metro Transit, and Marine Division Director Terry Federer both praised Crabill’s humility and emphasis on recognizing crew members Corey and Nick for their roles in the 2023 incident.

The proclamation text read on the record notes Crabill helped pilot the MV Melissa Ann (the water taxi’s first vessel), assisted in advising shipbuilders on passenger‑friendly features for subsequent vessels (MV Doc Maynard and MV Sally Fox), and that on Nov. 2, 2023 he acted to divert a 300‑foot container barge away from the downtown waterfront. The proclamation states the water taxi was only 15 minutes delayed and received minor damage; no injuries were reported.

Councilmembers and Metro leaders said Crabill’s work helped establish a service that carried nearly 500,000 passengers in 2024 between downtown Seattle, West Seattle and Vashon Island, and they wished him and his wife well in retirement. The council presented the proclamation and invited Water Taxi crew members to stand and be recognized.

The recognition was ceremonial; there were no votes or formal actions attached to the proclamation.

Sources: Remarks and video shown during the July 22, 2025 King County Council meeting; proclamation language read on the record.