SC disability rights group says Daufuskie ferry’s docks and boats are “unsafe, inadequate”

Sebastian Lee
Drew Martin/dmartin@islandpacket.com

According to an advocacy group for disabled people, conditions surrounding the Daufuskie Ferry including the boats, docks and gangplanks are getting worse.

In a letter to Beaufort County, Disability Rights South Carolina’s analysis concluded, “For almost nine months, DRSC and Daufuskie Island residents have repeatedly alerted Beaufort County to deficiencies, including violations of the (Americans with Disabilities Act), surrounding its ferry contract with Lowcountry Ferry,” said Rebecca Guental Fulmer, Attorney for DRSC.

DRSC expanded its concerns beyond the vessels to include ground access, docks and gangplanks. It is unknown if the concerns raised about the areas outside of the boats are the responsibility of Lowcountry Ferry or the county itself.

“The County has taken no effective action to remedy the deficiencies and discrimination we have identified,” the letter continues.

The 11-page letter, dated Sept. 10, gives a critical rundown of the various inefficiencies of the service and hardships island residents face with the current provider and the county including:

  • lack of functional ground access for those with mobility problems to and from the dock at Melrose Landing on Daufuskie Island

  • lack of assistance traveling the length of dock at Melrose Landing

  • dilapidated, unstable and unsafe condition of the dock at Melrose Landing

  • the steep and slick surface (especially when wet by rain or dew) of the gangway between the stationary dock to the floating dock Melrose Landing

  • unsafe and inadequate access onto and from the ferry boats

  • the steep and slick surface (especially when wet by rain or dew) of the gangway between the floating and stationary docks at Pinckney Island Landing on Hilton Head

  • lack of functional ground access, for those with mobility problems, to and from the dock at Pinckney Island.

Beaufort County Administrator Michael Moore issued a notice of noncompliance to Lowcountry Ferry in July. But to reach the county’s compliance, the ferry service provider just had to secure an approved backup vessel and ensure the air conditioning on the primary vessel, the Manatee II, was functional. Lowcountry ferry complied and began using the Queen Jean.

Moore said he wants to reach ADA compliance and is continuing to work with Lowcountry Ferry’s operator Neil Turner, who has been cooperative according to Moore.

But, the bar for DRSC and what they consider ADA compliance is much higher. Acquiring a new boat wasn’t sufficient is quelling their grievances.

“(Lowcountry Ferry) merely produced a second unsafe and inadequate boat, the Queen Jean, a dilapidated fishing vessel, and only temporarily repaired the Manatee’s air conditioning,” DRSC said.

“In effect, the County has now approved LCF’s use of two unsafe, inadequate vessels for its public ferry service. The Manatee’s air conditioning repeatedly fails; moreover, that vessel is currently ‘down and out.’ LCF’s only running vessel, the Queen Jean, in addition to safety issues, has no working toilet, bathroom or holding tank for sewage; yet, incomprehensibly, the County approved its use.”

Disability Rights South Carolina makes it clear that if the grievances aren’t addressed they’ll pursue litigation against the county. However, at multiple points, they’ve invited county officials to engage in a pre-litigation settlement.

Is Council listening?

At nearly every Beaufort County Council meeting this year, Daufuskie residents used public comment to repeat their concerns. As the year has progressed, the pleas have turned to requests that the council to terminate the contract.

“We are not aware that the County has paid any credence to their heartfelt stories,” DRSC said.

The council has had multiple private executive sessions about the ferry, but none have resulted in any action on the contract.

“I don’t know how (council is) ignoring these past eight months and everything that’s happened,” said Daufuskie resident Sue Sablosky at a council meeting. “I don’t know how they can extend (Lowcountry Ferry’s) deadlines again and again.”

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