Dartmouth Lower Ferry pulls out all the stops

The friendly team at the Lower Ferry are well known for their cheerful natures and friendly smiles. Despite the gusty winds brought by Storm Eunice and hot on its heels, Storm Franklin, the rotating team of nine pulled their collars up and battled on to get residents, workers and visitors across the Dart. They were also supported by five relief maintenance and crew teammates. 

South Hams District Council who own the heritage ferry have stringent safety measures and risk assessments in place to make sure that their staff, and passengers, are always safe during bad weather crossings.

Cllr Jonathan Hawkins, Executive Member for Health and Wellbeing for South Hams District Council, said: “They are a fantastic team who go out in all weather, rain or shine and they really help to keep the transport links open. It’s vital to a lot of people and saves a long journey around if you need to just get quickly across the river. 

“Luckily the wind was blowing in the right direction, so it was safe for our ferry to continue to operate carefully and safely. I’d like to say thank you for their hard work and dedication in such trying circumstances, because safe or not, it couldn’t have been fun out there in that wind!”

The ferry operates all year round, except for Christmas Day and as demonstrated, in all weather. You can now buy a Saver Travel Pass on the Ferry for £2. Once you have your pass, simply top it up online whenever you need to.

Andy, a local ferry user, said: “They always take a lot more interest, interaction and are more personal. The saver ticket pass works out such good value making the lower ferry an all-round win, win! Oh, and your saver ticket never expires!”

To find out more about the Dartmouth Lower Ferry, go to: www.southhams.gov.uk/dartmouthlowerferry

Edit: Supplied