Block Island Ferry resumes traditional ferry service after 4-day delay

NEW SHOREHAM, R.I. (WLNE) — The Block Island Ferry resumed traditional ferry service on Wednesday after a four-day service delay.

The first ferries leaving Point Judith and Block Island since Friday will depart at 7 a.m. Service will continue throughout the day, with the last ferry leaving Point Judith at 5 p.m. and the last ferry leaving Block Island at 5:30 p.m.

High-speed ferry departures remained canceled.

Weather conditions disrupted ferry service since Saturday.

Those who set out to Block Island for a day or a special celebration were stuck for days.

A couple who went to the Block to celebrate their wedding anniversary told ABC 6 News they ended up staying longer than they’d hoped.

“I guess it’s the one good thing about the ferries not running, there’s no one to come in, so we were able to actually extend the stay for a day or two,” said Matthew and Samantha Dahl.

Others who spoke with ABC 6 said while it was inconvenient, their situations were not dire.

Port Captain Chris Myers told ABC 6 on Tuesday that if service was stopped for five days straight, it would have been the longest continuous delay he’d ever seen.

“It starts with just maintaining a safe environment for our passengers on board. The ferry vessels are built to withstand these types of sea conditions,” he said. “But it needs to be a stable platform where someone won’t fall down and get hurt, or someone’s property won’t get damaged, such as a car or freight that we’re carrying.”

Myers said in the event that service resumed Wednesday morning, that he expected another ferry to be added in to make it easier for the expected amount of travelers.