Ocracoke-Hatteras Ferry Update

The "Ncdot NC 12" Facebook page is very helpful and informative. This is what they posted today:

"We have spoken with our ferry division chief and here’s the update we promised on the Hatteras-Ocracoke Route:

We did a test run of the channel on Saturday.
It revealed several hotspots where moving sand continues to build up, despite the Army Corps of Engineers’ dredging. One of those areas is a main concern for our ferry captains. The water is shallow enough to make the chance of a ferry running aground likely. Anytime a ferry runs aground, there is a risk of injury to our passengers and damage to our vessels, and we not going to take that risk.

We have been working with the Corps to resolve the issue. The Corps, which is responsible for maintaining the channel, is taking more surveys of the ocean floor. Those surveys are almost completed, and they will determine the course of action necessary. Depending on the conditions on the bottom of the channel, the fix may be as simple as relocating the route and moving navigational buoys accordingly. If not, touchup dredging will be done.

In the meantime, the long route can continue to be used. Good news is, we can and will switch over to the summer ferry schedule on May 7, regardless of whether or not we are able to resume operations on the short route.

Hurricanes over the past several years have changed the conditions in the inlet dramatically, and there is shoaling in areas where we have not had problems in the past. While most charter boats draw 2.5 feet, our ferries draw five feet and need at least seven feet of water to operate safely.

We are committed to providing reliable ferry service, but will not compromise safety."

Ncdot NC 12 also posted a link to this video of deputy ferry division director Jed Dixon talking about the ferry situation.