Friday, May 1, 2026

Sistersville Ferry on Ohio River Sunk Apr 10, 2026

(Satellite)

Facebook Reel

Apr 29, 2026:
This is from the link referenced in the above reel. The crane came from Pittsburgh. There was no mention of why it sunk.
wtov9

An Apr 13 report:
wtov9
"Sistersville Mayor Bill Rice said harsh winter conditions caused the river to rise and move the ferry into the bank. As the river level began to drop, the boat started to adjust. On Friday, the ferry was pushed back to its regular position and sank within minutes, Rice said."
They have removed the fuel. The plan was to attach bladders to the rear and blow air in them to raise the rear. Evidently that plan failed, and they called in the crane that we see above.
The ferry doesn't open for business until May anyhow.

Facebook Reel

Apr 29:
City of Sistersville Mayor - Bill Rice posted four photos with the comment: "Thank you lord."
Jim Hudkins: A large boat sitting on the bank after the water recedes is never good, shoving it back in the water from dry land is even worse. Expensive lesson learned.
Michael Somales: Obviously it was insured. My guess is the recovery was 100K. A full overhaul will take a year with new power costing 600K-800K.
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Sistersville Ferry posted 14 photos with the comment: "Here are the still pics I got today at the Ferry's lift."
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9, cropped

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wtrf Apr 30 report
:

“Well we found out this morning when  we brought it out of the water that the right rudder has been tore off of it and there’s some other damage to it that the insurance company is still assessing right now. So once we get that done, then we can go from there on what we’re gonna do.”

Mayor Bill Rice, Sistersville



Here is what the ferry looked like during better times.

Dana Rukse, Feb 2018

Dana Rukse, Feb 2018

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