Beaufort County Introduces New Ferry Amid Ongoing Service Challenges and Resident Concerns

Beaufort County Welcomes a New Ferry Boat Amid Ongoing Service Disputes

Beaufort County has recently made headlines with the approval of a second boat for the Daufuskie Island ferry service. This comes as the service provider, Lowcountry Ferry, aims to resolve an ongoing compliance battle tied to its existing contract with the county. Since taking the reins of the contract earlier this year, residents of Daufuskie Island have raised serious concerns about the ferry service, spurring repeated requests for the council to reconsider its partnership with Lowcountry Ferry.

The mood at last week’s county council meeting was charged with emotion as residents expressed their frustrations. One islander, Yvonne Wilson, highlighted a vital point: “We have no choice. We have to ride that boat. That’s the only way we can get food to eat. That’s the only way we can go to the doctors.”

Introducing the Queen Jean

As islanders braced themselves for the new addition to the ferry fleet, reports confirmed that the Queen Jean began making its rounds last week. Passengers noted some improvements with the new boat as compared to the previous vessel, the Manatee II. Riders appreciated easier access and more storage but were quick to remind that serious concerns still linger. Despite the excitement of a new vessel, some residents like Navy veteran Sue Sablosky voiced worries about safety. After boarding the Queen Jean, she noticed troubling signs: “I don’t think it’s safe at all,” she said, adding that the ferry had “painted-over rotting wood and metal hanging off the bow.”

Even more concerning for passengers is the absence of a bathroom. As ferry trips to and from the island can take roughly an hour, this lack of amenities has led to discomfort and frustration among riders. “I don’t know how (the council is) ignoring these past eight months and everything that’s happened,” Sablosky added, pointing out the ongoing challenges faced by the island community.

Compliance Concerns with Lowcountry Ferry

The introduction of the Queen Jean does help address some compliance issues, particularly the need for a backup boat which was highlighted during previous inspections of the Manatee II. The county administration had even issued a notice of non-compliance to Lowcountry Ferry in early July due to quality and safety concerns. Fortunately, the Queen Jean, a 53-year-old vessel previously used for fishing excursions, passed a U.S. Coast Guard inspection, confirming that it meets all necessary requirements to serve as a small passenger vessel.

Despite this positive step, other issues remain unresolved. Recently, a letter from Disability Rights South Carolina emphasized that Beaufort County still does not comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The letter outlined significant challenges, including inadequate assistance for disabled passengers and safety concerns that inhibit both residents and tourists who have disabilities from utilizing the ferry service.

The letter goes on to state, “These deficiencies continue to challenge the lives and livelihoods of people with disabilities who live on the island, their family members and personal aides, as well as tourists who are disabled.” With a warning that litigation could follow if these concerns are not addressed, the organization also expressed their willingness to work towards a settlement with the county.

A Call for Better Solutions

County Administrator Michael Moore has publicly voiced his desire to mitigate any need for court intervention by thoroughly examining the reported concerns. It seems that despite some positive developments, considerable work still lies ahead for both the county and Lowcountry Ferry to satisfy the needs of all Daufuskie Island residents.

As the community navigates through these ongoing disputes regarding ferry service, one thing remains clear: residents are determined to see improvements that ensure safe, reliable access to essential services and essential supplies for their daily lives.