Daufuskie Island Residents Anxiously Await Repairs to Essential Ferry Service

Daufuskie Island Residents Anxiously Await Ferry Repairs

Residents of Daufuskie Island have been feeling the heat—literally and figuratively—amid ongoing disruptions to their ferry service. The Manatee II, which serves as the primary transport link between Daufuskie and nearby Hilton Head Island, has been out of commission since a breakdown during Labor Day weekend. Living on the island since 2018, local resident Jake Shafer caught the ferry last month when it faced engine troubles just 30 minutes into its journey, forcing it to return to its home port.

What Went Wrong?

Unfortunately, things have not improved since that fateful trip, with the Manatee II remaining out of service for an alarming nearly seven weeks. The ferry business, operated by Lowcountry Ferry, has been under scrutiny, with many islanders voicing their concerns about the reliability of their only public transport option. According to the ferry service’s spokesperson, Hannah Nichols, the vessel is undergoing essential repairs, particularly a malfunctioning generator that is critical for air conditioning and lighting inside the cabin. This maintenance work is expected to be wrapped up soon.

A Community on Hold

Local residents are feeling the impact of having just one operational vessel, the Queen Jean, which, while active, has also faced its own set of challenges. In recent visits, it was reported that only one bathroom was fully functional aboard the Queen Jean, adding to the discomfort of passengers. When S.C. Rep. Jeff Bradley visited the island last Thursday, he took the time to listen to the community’s frustrations. “I’d like to see it fixed,” he said, stressing his commitment to stay involved until the ferry system is back up and running smoothly.

Letters and Appeals

Highlighting the community’s unrest, resident Deborah Smith composed a letter to Beaufort County officials on October 11, expressing her worries not just about the ferry but about the safety of residents—especially with hurricane season looming. “The issue of just having one boat was briefly addressed, but now we’re back to the status quo,” she pointed out. Unfortunately, she has yet to receive any feedback on her concerns from county officials.

Contract Obligations and Future Plans

According to Nichols, despite the broken ferry, Lowcountry Ferry has maintained its contractual obligations. The contract specifies that the ferry service must provide a minimum of two U.S. Coast Guard-approved vessels and ensure at least four round trips to and from Daufuskie Island each day. Given that one vessel has been out of service for a significant duration, residents are rightfully anxious about the reliability of the current transport system.

Looking Ahead

As repairs on the Manatee II continue, Nichols has reassured the community that there are plans for “typical maintenance” on the Queen Jean as well, which will hopefully enhance passenger comfort and reliability. However, after a notice of noncompliance was issued to Neil Turner—the owner of both the ferry and Sea Monkey Watersports—in early July, unfulfilled obligations have raised eyebrows.

For now, Daufuskie Islanders are holding their breath, waiting for news of the Manatee II’s re-launch and hoping that a more robust ferry system can prevent these worries in the future. After all, for islanders, the ferry isn’t just a means of transportation; it’s a lifeline to the rest of the Lowcountry.