L E T T E R   T O   T H E   E D I T O R

Seeking a Resolution

As a year round resident of Vinalhaven Island it is imperative that my family and I rely on the Maine State Ferry Service for transportation to and from the mainland. As of November 4, 2018, the MSFS has imposed a restriction that will not allow vehicles to be turned on during the 75-minute ferry crossing. With winter fast approaching, this will mean that elderly, disabled, and/or sick passengers who are unable or unfit to leave their vehicles will either be subjected to freezing temperatures within their vehicles or run the risk of injuring themselves or infecting others in an attempt to seek warmth in the vessel’s cabin. As an expectant mother, due to give birth at the end of December, the prospect of bringing my newborn daughter who will have an undeveloped immune system into an overcrowded, unsanitary, and uncomfortable cabin during flu season is terrifying and simply unacceptable.

It is my understanding that this new restriction has been imposed because of the flash of light that occurs when a vehicle is turned on, which at night can affect the captains ability to see. I understand how this could be an issue if the ferry boats were running after dark, but the recent change to the ferry schedule has corrected this issue by running the last boat at 3:15PM.

I’m just one of many island residents who are discouraged by the actions of the MSFS and it is with great sadness that residents of Vinalhaven Island are being faced with this blatant risk to the health of our elderly, disabled, and youth without any consideration or reasonable explanation from the Maine State Ferry Service.

Claire Jackson
Vinalhaven, Maine