‘It’s a little scary, but it’s out of our control,’ says passenger after fight on Block Island ferry

NEW SHOREHAM, R.I. (WLNE) —  Monday’s fight on the Block Island ferry has raised security concerns around New Shoreham.

“I’d like to think it was an isolated event due to the festival that was going on on the island yesterday, but you never know. It’s a little scary, but it’s out of our control,” said Nathan McConnell, a passenger riding the ferry Tuesday, said.

Rhode Island State Police said that the ferry where the fight broke out was added at the last minute due to overcrowding, and didn’t have any troopers onboard.

“We are shocked and saddened by the incident on the Block Island Ferry last night and we appreciate the work of the first responders who took action to restore order,” wrote First and Second Warden’s of New Shoreham, André Boudreau and Sven Risom in a statement.

The two added that the Town Council is committed to making Block Island a healthy community and a wonderful place to live and visit.

The Interstate Navigation Company, which operates the Block Island Ferry, released a statement Tuesday, saying in part, “as per our protocols when anticipating a heavy volume of holiday travel, added security measures were put in place with the assistance of state and local police.”