Sandy's effects blow inland, cancel Lake Michigan ferries
By: Millaine Wells
Updated: October 31, 2012
Washington Island, Wis.(WFRV)--Winds topping 40 miles per hour and ten foot waves on Lake Michigan forced the Badger Car ferry to cancel trips from Manitowoc to Ludington, Michigan today.
But another popular ferry, to Door County's Washington Island, continued to run until late this afternoon.
The Washington Island car ferry is designed for year-round use, and weathers Wisconsin winters.
However, dangerous conditions forced the crew to cancel the final trip of the day this afternoon at 2:30.
Passengers who spoke to Local Five's Millaine Wells say these were the worst conditions they'd ever seen on the lake.
For the 710 people who call Washington Island home yearround, the ferry is a lifeline.
Hoyt Purinton, President, Washington Island Ferry Line, "We haul mail, freight, people, medical supplies, village supplies - everything needed to sustain a yearround population."
50 mile per hour wind gusts and 10 foot waves on Lake Michigan forced the captain to adjust his route.
Purinton, "On the way back we ran on the south side of Plum Island, it saves us some time and it's a whole lot more comfortable ride."
For the final ride of the day, the crew carefully watched the temperature. If it were ten to twenty degrees cooler, the ferry would not have been able to run because of icing conditions.
The captain of the ferry tells Local Five this is definitely in the top three worst conditions he's ever seen on Lake Michigan.
The captain will assess the conditions on Wednesday, to see if weather conditions improve, and the ferry can once again cross the waters.
For more on the Washington Island Ferry, head to their website.
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Jennifer A.
October 30, 2012 at 9:08 pm
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