Wednesday, July 12, 2006

NC Ferry System's Summer Schedule Delayed

Vacationers and fishermen alike will have to wait a little longer when trying to take a ferry from the mainland to the Outer Banks as the NC Ferry Division announced today that the expanded summer ferry schedule will be delayed until at least July 25th. The expanded summer schedule was supposed to start this week but two of the state's sound-class boats, the Hyde and the Silver Lake, are still in dry dock receiving repairs. Large amounts of asbestos were found in the insulation of the Hyde and the Silver Lake had to have it's bearing box replaced. At over 12 million dollars each, sound-class ferries are in short supply and other ferries aren't designed to meet the challenges presented by North Carolina's large and dynamic sounds. While repairs to both vessels are expected to be complete by July 25th, officials explained that the new launch date could be extended if problems are discovered. Unfortunately given the age of the two, the Hyde was built in the 1970's and the Silver Lake in 1965, problems during sea trials are common and the summer schedule could be delayed again. More on the delay is available from the Washington Daily News; complete NC ferry system schedules are listed in our coastal travel information section.

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