Ocracoke passenger ferry service suspended due to mechanical issue
The Ocracoke Express passenger ferry has been suspended since July 27 due to a mechanical issue. Per the North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT), pre-paid passengers who made reservations are being notified and refunded.
“It seems to be an electronics issue with the water jets, which control the steering on the ferry,” stated Tim Hass, NCDOT Communications Officer “We are having a tech from the manufacturer, Thrushmaster, assist us with the repairs.”
At this time, there is not a timeline for when passenger ferry service will resume. The Ocracoke/Hatteras vehicular ferry is running its normal summer schedule with no interruptions.
2022 is the fourth season of passenger ferry service between Hatteras and Ocracoke Village, and the brand-new Ocracoke Express made its debut on May 17. (In prior years, a passenger ferry from New Jersey was rented and used for the 2019, 2020, and 2021 summer seasons.)
In May and June, the passenger ferry shuttled 10,063 people between Hatteras and Ocracoke. Passenger ferry service is a supplement to the vehicle ferries, which continue to transport people between Hatteras and the north end of Ocracoke Island.
