Relief to Neebish Islanders

NEWS RELEASE

U.S. COAST GUARD

************************* SAULT SAINTE MARIE, MI - (April 1) – Brash ice up to two feet thick kept the Neebish Island Ferry from running over the weekend, but that didn’t stop residents from meeting their commitments on the mainland.

Coast Guard Station Sault Saint Marie launched their 18-foot air boat today for a medical evacuation of a Neebish Island resident.

Additionally, the boat crew transported a second resident and assisted with mail delivery for the island.

The Neebish Island Ferry, Neebish Islander II will be out of service for several more days.

Routine inspections by the vessel’s crew found a pin-hole sized leak in the vessel’s hull.

Lieutenant Commander Chris Friese stated: “Coast Guard inspectors surveyed the extent of the damage and are working with Eastern Upper Peninsula Transit Authority (EUPTA) personnel to expedite repairs and minimize the service impact to island residents. The ferry will be allowed to operate as soon as it is safe to do so.”

EUPTA will take the ferry to MCM Marine where it will undergo repairs and a complete dry dock examination by the Coast Guard.

The ferry has not operated since Friday, March 28, due to heavy ice flow in the St. Marys River.

Further inquiries can be made by phone to LTJG Caren Damon at (906) 635-3342 or via email.

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