Daufuskie Island Faces Ferry Challenges as Repairs Continue
Life on Daufuskie Island is all about the island vibes, beautiful sunsets, and the sound of the ocean waves. But for residents, there is an additional layer of complexity due to the ferry service that connects them to Hilton Head Island. If you’ve been following the local news, you might have heard about the ongoing challenges with the Manatee II, the primary ferry boat that has been out of service for nearly seven weeks, creating quite a stir among island residents.
Ferry Breakdown: A Community in Limbo
It all started during the busy Labor Day weekend. Jake Shafer, a frequent ferry rider who has been living on and off the island since 2018, was on board the Manatee II when it started experiencing engine troubles. Just about 30 minutes into the journey, they had to turn back to Daufuskie Island. Since that day, many have been wondering when the Manatee II would be back up and running.
According to Jake, he hasn’t seen the ferry in operation since that fateful day. The ferry service is crucial as it is the only public transportation available for residents and visitors traveling between the islands—two places that are not linked by any bridges. People have been left anxious and uncertain, particularly with the hurricane season in full swing.
County Officials Weigh In
Hannah Nichols, a spokesperson for Beaufort County, reassured concerned community members that the Manatee II is currently undergoing repairs. “The ferry is undergoing some maintenance, and we expect repairs to be completed soon,” she mentioned, hinting at a resolution by next week. However, concerns over safety and reliability continue to loom large.
While residents worry about having only one ferry to rely on, the county has noted that the contract with the ferry owner remains intact during this maintenance period. “Typical maintenance is something we should expect for vessels, but we understand how vital it is to have a backup option,” Nichols said.
Key Concerns from Residents
On October 17, a few residents noticed the Manatee II moored at the Sea Monkey Watersports dock, which is owned by ferry operator Neil Turner. Meanwhile, S.C. Representative Jeff Bradley paid a visit to Daufuskie Island and heard firsthand from residents who feel frustrated about the recent ferry difficulties. He expressed his desire to see the issue resolved, stating, “I’d like to see it fixed,” and promised to remain involved until a solution was implemented.
Community member Deborah Smith, who has owned property on the island for two decades, voiced her concerns in a letter to the county council. She pointed out that with only one boat, the residents are left vulnerable, especially during emergencies. Sadly, as of now, she has not received a response to her concerns.
Maintenance and Compliance Issues
In the meantime, the ferry’s maintenance has become a topic of debate. While the Manatee II gets back into shape, the alternative vessel—the Queen Jean—is also undergoing its own level of maintenance. Only one of its bathrooms is currently operational, which adds to the strain on services. The contract with Lowcountry Ferry clearly states a requirement for at least two vessels capable of carrying a minimum of 40 passengers each—something locals are hoping will be addressed quickly.
A Call for Accountability
The situation has put the ferry service provider under scrutiny since it was awarded the contract to operate Daufuskie’s ferry service in January. After taking over from Haig Point Community Associates, who had requested over a million dollars for their services, Lowcountry Ferry offered a lower bid, which left residents hoping this move would lead to more reliable service. However, with ongoing issues, questions about accountability have arisen.
As we look ahead, residents and officials alike are keen on seeing the Manatee II back in service. Until then, the community watches and waits.
