Despite the best dredging efforts of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, NCDOT’s Ferry Division said that the traditional ferry channel in Hatteras Inlet is still not safe enough to use, and that ferries between Hatteras Inlet and Ocracoke will continue to operate on the longer “alternate” route.
“ We wish we had better news, but after several test runs Thursday it became clear that the traditional route was still not navigable ,” said NCDOT Ferry Division Director Ed Goodwin . “Safety is always the highest priority of the Ferry Division, and remaining on the longer route is the best way to ensure the safety of our passengers, crews, and boats.”
In response to the decision, the Ferry Division is moving a larger boat to the Hatteras Inlet route and will add five additional departures from each side beginning June 17, bringing the total number of runs on each side to 37.
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Press Release, June 15, 2014