Daufuskie Island Residents Voice Concerns Over Ferry Service Safety and Accessibility
In the picturesque shores of Daufuskie Island, residents are raising alarms over the growing issues linked to their ferry service, which many depend on for their daily commutes. The spotlight is on the Lowcountry Ferry and its dock facilities, as concerns about safety and accessibility have come to a head. An advocacy group, Disability Rights South Carolina (DRSC), has been vocal about the deteriorating conditions that hinder residents, especially those with disabilities, from enjoying equal access.
The Ongoing Struggles
In a detailed letter sent to Beaufort County, DRSC underscored the urgency of the matter. “For almost nine months, DRSC and Daufuskie Island residents have repeatedly alerted Beaufort County to deficiencies, including violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA),” shared Rebecca Guental Fulmer, an attorney with DRSC. The group’s analysis sheds light on various habitability issues ranging not just from the ferry boats but extending out to the docks and the gangplanks attached to them.
It seems many of the challenges outside the ferry itself remain unanswered; it’s unclear whether these shortcomings rest with Lowcountry Ferry or with the county. The letter states, “The County has taken no effective action to remedy the deficiencies and discrimination we have identified.”
Specific Concerns Raised
The 11-page missive highlights multiple inefficiencies with the ferry service. Residents have expressed frustrations over the steep and slippery gangway connecting the floating and stationary docks at Pinckney Island Landing on Hilton Head Island. These concerns escalate during wet weather, posing an even greater risk to those with mobility challenges who rely on this access point.
Earlier this July, Beaufort County Administrator Michael Moore issued a notice of noncompliance to Lowcountry Ferry regarding its shortcomings. The company had been tasked with ensuring that its backup vessel was operational and that the air conditioning on their main vessel, the Manatee II, was functional. After some adjustments, the ferry service began running the Queen Jean as its backup boat.
Compliance Disagreement
However, the bar for what constitutes ADA compliance seems to be set much higher by DRSC than it is by the county. According to the group, simply acquiring another boat didn’t resolve the underlying issues. Their analysis of the Queen Jean raised multiple safety concerns, labeling it a “dilapidated fishing vessel” that is inadequate for public ferry service. DRSC further claims the Manatee’s air conditioning is inconsistent, with the ferry frequently being unavailable for service.
Adding to the woes, they reported that the Queen Jean didn’t have working toilets or a proper sewage system, raising significant hygiene concerns. “In effect, the County has now approved LCF’s use of two unsafe, inadequate vessels for its public ferry service,” they noted.
Seeking Solutions and a Path Forward
While DRSC has made it clear that they will explore litigation if improvements aren’t made, they have consistently invited the county to engage in discussions to reach a pre-litigation settlement. Throughout the year, Daufuskie residents have spoken out during county council meetings, urging the government to listen and address their concerns with sincerity.
Many residents, like Sue Sablosky, have expressed frustration during public comment periods. “I don’t know how (the council is) ignoring these past eight months and everything that’s happened,” she stated, urging council members to act decisively.
The Path Ahead
As the situation unfolds, there seems to be a growing demand from the Daufuskie community for better ferry service, one that meets both safety and accessibility standards. The residents are hopeful that their passionate pleas will lead to timely actions from the county to rectify the issues with their ferry services. Time will tell if their voices will be heard and valued.
