Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Transportation Ferry topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Daufuskie Island ferry update: engine issue, accessibility improvements and Melrose Dock condemnation continue
Summary
County staff reported a Feb. 25 engine overheating incident on the Manatee II, Queen Jean’s Coast Guard inspection and return to service, planned accessibility improvements at Pinkney Island, and ongoing condemnation process for Melrose Dock.
Hank (county staff) gave the committee an operational update on the Daufuskie Island ferry service, recounting an engine problem on the Manatee II and outlining work on passenger-accessibility and docking issues.
Staff said that on Tuesday, Feb. 25 the 7 a.m. run of the Manatee II experienced an overheated starboard engine; the captain docked at the nearest dock on Daufuskie Island, passengers disembarked, and a backup vessel transported passengers to their destination that morning. Because sourcing a backup vessel and swapping boats can take more than an hour, the 8:30 a.m. run did not occur; service resumed at 10:00 a.m. using the provider’s backup vessel, the Sole.
Hank said the Queen Jean had been out of the water for planned improvements and returned to service Feb. 26 after the Coast Guard completed an inspection. He also said the Queen Jean is scheduled for its annual Coast Guard inspection this month and the Manatee II’s annual inspection is scheduled for May.
Staff announced accessibility improvements for handicapped parking at Pinkney Island and noted prior work on riprap and drainage. They described a recurring but rare problem when extremely low tides can leave the floating dock on Pinkney Island sitting on mud; staff have engaged Public Works and a dock contractor to study options. The county also said it has forwarded complaints about Melrose Dock to the owner and that the condemnation process for the facility is ongoing.
Hank said county staff has begun regular discussions with the Daufuskie Island Council; he named Don Hunter as the council’s new head and said the county will continue coordination.
The update was informational; committee members asked about cargo fees and docking fees, and staff said there have been no recent changes to cargo fees.
