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A Daily News Service of the North Carolina Coastal Federation

Mainland-Ocracoke Ferry Routes Suspended

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The view of Ocracoke from a ferry as it approaches the Ocracoke terminal. Photo: Jennifer Allen

Cedar Island and Swan Quarter ferries to and from Ocracoke have been suspended until Monday because Bigfoot Slough is too shallow and too narrow to operate ferries.

The state Department of Transportation’s Ferry Division announced Thursday the suspension, which is attributed to worsening shoaling in the ferry channel just outside of Ocracoke’s Silver Lake Harbor.

Shoaling occurs when sand and sediment fill into a ferry channel, making water depths too shallow and the channel too narrow for safe operation of the ferry system’s vessels.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers continues to work in the Bigfoot Slough channel to clear the shoaling. The Ferry Division said it would reassess channel conditions Monday and decide whether to resume service.

About Staff Report

The story was compiled by staff members of Coastal Review.

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