Concerns Grow Over Disability Access on Daufuskie Ferry

Concerns Grow Over Disability Access on Daufuskie Ferry

Beaufort County residents are raising their voices louder than ever as concerns surrounding the Daufuskie Ferry continue to snowball. It seems the situation is not improving for those with disabilities who rely on this essential service. According to Disability Rights South Carolina (DRSC), things are getting increasingly dire, and they have laid out their case in a pointed letter addressed to the county.

Highlighting Ongoing Issues

In a detailed 11-page letter dated September 10, DRSC, along with residents from Daufuskie Island, pointed out a range of problems surrounding ferry conditions, including boats, docks, and gangplanks. They noted that many of these issues violate the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). “For almost nine months, DRSC and Daufuskie Island residents have repeatedly alerted Beaufort County to deficiencies,” stated Rebecca Guental Fulmer, an attorney with DRSC.

The analysis from DRSC shed light on several critical failures of the ferry service. From the steep and slick surfaces of gangways during wet weather to insufficient ground access for those with mobility challenges, the problems seem to be piling up. Residents have called attention to the difficulties they face just getting to and from the docks at Pinckney Island Landing on Hilton Head.

The Response from County Officials

In July, Beaufort County Administrator Michael Moore issued a notice of noncompliance to Lowcountry Ferry, the owner and operator of the ferry service. The county required that Lowcountry Ferry secure an approved backup vessel and ensure the air conditioning on their primary vessel, the Manatee II, was operational. While the ferry service did make some changes—bringing in the Queen Jean as a secondary vessel and fixing the air conditioning for the moment—the issues highlighted by DRSC went far beyond these adjustments.

DRSC was quick to respond to the new developments, stating that simply acquiring another vessel wasn’t sufficient to resolve their concerns. “Lowcountry Ferry merely produced a second unsafe and inadequate boat, the Queen Jean, a dilapidated fishing vessel, and only temporarily repaired the Manatee’s air conditioning,” they noted.

Safety and Accessibility Violations

Current conditions raise serious alarms. DRSC reported that the Queen Jean has no functioning toilet, bathroom, or sewage holding tank—a fact that is quite concerning for a public ferry. Furthermore, they pointed out that the Manatee II is “currently down and out,” meaning Lowcountry Ferry has only one operational vessel available, which raises major safety and accessibility concerns.

“In effect, the County has now approved Lowcountry Ferry’s use of two unsafe, inadequate vessels for its public ferry service,” the letter continued, emphasizing the rising frustration among residents and advocacy groups alike.

Calls for Change

As discussions continue, it seems like the county hasn’t taken the heartfelt appeals from Daufuskie residents seriously. DRSC has made it clear that if their grievances go unaddressed, they might take legal action against Beaufort County. Throughout numerous public council meetings this year, Daufuskie residents have voiced their concerns, asking the council to terminate their contract with Lowcountry Ferry due to ongoing inadequacies.

“I don’t know how they can ignore these past eight months and everything that’s happened,” said Daufuskie resident Sue Sablosky during a recent council meeting, reflecting the growing impatience and disillusionment among residents who feel their cries for help are falling on deaf ears.

Next Steps

As the county explores the situation further, including holding private executive sessions about the ferry, residents are hoping for some concrete action to finally address and rectify these distressing issues. Many are left wondering how long they’ll have to wait before significant changes are made to ensure accessibility and safety for everyone.

While the community’s patience may be wearing thin, one thing is clear: the fight for better ferry conditions is far from over, and Daufuskie Island residents are determined to have their needs met.