Daufuskie Island Residents Facing Ferry Service Challenges
Residents of beautiful Daufuskie Island are experiencing a bit of a hiccup when it comes to their ferry service. If you’ve been following the situation, you may have heard about the woes surrounding the Manatee II, the primary vessel for Lowcountry Ferry. Let’s dive into what’s been happening!
A Weekend to Remember (Or Forget)
It all started during the bustling Labor Day weekend. Jake Shafer, who has called Daufuskie Island home for several years now, was passengers on the Manatee II headed to Hilton Head Island. Just about 30 minutes into the voyage, things took a turn for the worse when the boat developed engine troubles and had to turn back. Since that fateful day, residents have been anxiously awaiting the return of the Manatee II, but it has been nearly seven weeks without it!
Keeping in Touch
Despite concerns from the community, it seems the county is standing by the ferry’s owner, who has kept up their contract while the boat undergoes necessary repairs. According to Hannah Nichols, a spokesperson for Beaufort County, the repairs are expected to wrap up by next week. The boat’s generator, which is essential for powering the air conditioning and keeping other lights on inside the cabin, is currently being fixed. However, the exact timeline for when the maintenance first began remains unclear.
Only Connection to the Outside World
Living on an island certainly comes with its perks, but the lack of bridges connecting Daufuskie Island to Hilton Head means that the ferry service is a vital lifeline for residents needing to travel back and forth. With the Manatee II down, folks are feeling the pinch. On October 17, the ferry was spotted docked at Sea Monkey Watersports. This facility is owned by Neil Turner, who also owns Lowcountry Ferry.
Voicing Concerns
Concerned residents have voiced their worries, especially as hurricane season looms. On a recent visit, South Carolina Representative Jeff Bradley met with islanders who were understandably upset about the ongoing situation. He stated, “I’d like to see it fixed,” meaning not only the Manatee II but the ferry system as a whole. Rep. Bradley pledged to stay connected with residents and county officials until a solution is in sight.
A Call for Backup
Deborah Smith, a property owner for over two decades on the island, made her feelings known in a letter to the county council dated October 11. In her letter, she pointed out that while the issue of having only one boat had been discussed, nothing had changed in terms of the available resources. She expressed her worries over the safety of islanders, especially during stormy weather, but unfortunately hasn’t received any responses.
A Little More Information
When the Manatee II is finally back in action, Lowcountry Ferry plans to conduct typical maintenance on the Queen Jean, another vessel they use. The Queen Jean is currently in service but reportedly only one of its bathrooms is fully operational. The contract between Lowcountry Ferry and the county stipulates there should be at least two vessels ready to carry a minimum of 40 passengers. So, it’s easy to see where the residents’ frustrations lie, especially since one boat has been out of commission for such a long time.
The Road Ahead
As the county administrator, Michael Moore, previously noted, the ferry provider needed to secure an approved backup vessel to comply with the contract. Lowcountry Ferry has made moves to include the Queen Jean, but concerns about the state of ferry operations remain top of mind for many residents.
So, there you have it! The residents of Daufuskie Island are feeling the effects of limited ferry service, and many are hoping for answers and swift action regarding the situation. As repairs are anticipated to conclude soon, fingers are crossed that smooth sailing is just around the corner!
