A Council statement said recent flooding had caused a build-up of sand in the ferry channel and the vessel bumped into a sandbar yesterday afternoon, causing the cable and plastic guides to slip off the drive wheel.

This resulted in a significant backlog and it was reported that some people only got across the ferry at 7pm. A bed & breakfast owner said guests waited four hours to get across.

Council also made it clear they would not waive the ferry fee to those affected.

“The three-hour delay will seriously impact the heavier vehicles. It must be remembered, while this ferry accommodates locals who live north of the river and tourists, it is also an industrial vessel,” said a local business owner.

“There are concrete trucks, fuel vehicles, general working trucks which need to service us. A key question is how will the truck drivers know there is a delay.”

In response to why it was not feasible to let heavy vehicles across between the said times, Council said that exceptionally low tides and increased sand in the channel has increased the risk that the ferry could come into contact with the ground.

“The ferry contractors will try to move heavy vehicles across where it is deemed safe to do so.”

Although this has created inconvenience which comes at a time when Council can least afford further obstacles, most people acknowledge that faults occur and it’s some two years ago that a similar incident put the ferry out of action for a period.

As a Newsport reader correctly pointed out: “It is not uncommon for ships or indeed any working vessel to have service problems whether they have just been dry docked for mechanical repairs or a survey inspection.
  
“It is not a good idea to jump at shadows when we all know through experience that the unexpected always happens when it's least expected. The operators of the Daintree River Ferry have and will continue to provide a reliable service which they have done for many years.”      

The Douglas Shire Council and the ferry contractors have apologised for any inconvenience, adding dredging works are scheduled to start at midnight tomorrow. This will not impact normal operation. Dredging of the channel is required on an annual basis due to silt build up.

Meanwhile, in her first comments regarding the ferry incident, Mayor Julia Leu said: “Sand shifted by the recent flooding event and exceptionally low tides experienced, has presented some challenges for the ferry contractors this week.

“This is an unfortunate consequence of living in remote tropical Far North Queensland and I thank the community for their patience during this time.”

Council said in their statement they have used a range of communication methods, including broadcast media, website updates and social media, to let as many people know about any delays.  

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