The Port of Tacoma has canceled its annual public boat tours event, originally scheduled for Aug. 28, out of concerns for public safety due to the steep rise in cases and hospitalizations associated with the Delta variant in Pierce County.

“A lot of families with young children attend the boat tours and out of concern for everyone’s health and safety, we have made the difficult decision to cancel this year’s event,” said Dick Marzano, Port of Tacoma commission president. “The Port’s boat tours are very popular and an important way for us to connect with the community, we look forward to holding the event again next year.”

For over four decades, the Port’s boat tours have provided an opportunity for the public to take a behind the scenes tour of Port facilities while learning about maritime trade and how the Port contributes to the economic vitality of the region. This year’s tours were scheduled to take place in conjunction with the Foss Waterway Seaport Maritime Weekend, which was also canceled this year due to concerns over the Delta variant.