Bald Head Island ferry, tram service suspended after vessel runs aground

BALD HEAD ISLAND, NC (WWAY) — Ferry and tram services to Bald Head Island have been suspended after a ferry struck a shoal early Thursday morning, according to the Bald Head Island Transportation Authority.

The authority said the ferry was carrying 105 passengers on the contractor-employee schedule when the grounding happened around 7 a.m. in the “Cut,” the entrance channel to Bald Head Island.

Officials said all passengers were safely removed from the ferry by two smaller boats and transported back to shore. No injuries were reported.

Divers and a tug boat were sent to the scene to assess the situation, prompting the suspension of ferry service. TowBoatUS says it also responded and remains on location.

An investigation into what caused the ferry to run aground is ongoing. The transportation authority said high winds, tides and recent storms may have altered the elevation of shoals in the area, but no official cause has been determined.

Service will remain suspended until further notice.