Icy water from weeks of cold temperatures is forcing the Chappy Ferry to remain extra cautious when deciding whether or not to sail between the slips on the Chappaquiddick and Edgartown sides of the harbor.
Earlier this morning, the tide brought in an “ice pack,” suspending regular ferry service. The ferry was reserved for “life/death emergencies” for about two hours. According to Edgartown Police, while the ferry restarted service again late Tuesday morning, there’s the possibility of more service disruptions after 5 pm depending on how the current moves ice in the harbor.
Edgartown Police Lt. Michael Snowden said the department is in communication with the Chappy Ferry company. In the meantime, a police officer has been sent over to Chappaquiddick with a cruiser in case an emergency occurs.
“We’ll just continue to work the problem,” Snowden said.
Peter Wells, owner and operator of Chappy Ferry, was not immediately available for comment.
Gary Kovack, Edgartown harbormaster, said there haven’t been any “major issues with the ice” other than the ferry service disruption.
While the U.S. Coast Guard does have three vessels capable of breaking ice for southeastern New England, Kovack said the ice in Edgartown Harbor has so far not been problematic enough for them to need to deploy the vessels. Still, town officials are keeping an eye on when the tides bunch the ice together, which is when issues can start to arise for boats.