BARBEAU, MI – Residents and visitors will be unable to travel to or from Neebish Island for up to three days next week while the ferry undergoes drydock maintenance. The Neebish Island Ferry will be temporarily taken out of service and mobilized to M.C.M. Marine in Sault Ste. Marie to undergo necessary drydock repairs, weather permitting. The ferry is scheduled to depart for drydock early on Wednesday, November 4, 2026, and will remain in drydock for approximately two days to complete the required maintenance work. It is anticipated that the Neebish Island Ferry will return to service sometime Friday, Nov. 6, 2026.
There will be no ferry service available to or from Neebish Island during this two to three-day period. The ferry service worked with Chippewa County Central Dispatch and the Sheriff’s Office to provide emergency transportation if the need arises.
The above time frame will be dependent upon weather conditions. If the weather is not conducive to travel, the dates will be changed to the next day. Residents and property owners are strongly encouraged to prepare ahead of time this week for the temporary shutdown.
The ferry sheared rudder shaft, and the loss of one of its two rudders in a recent incident while maneuvering in fog.
Soo Leader
Neebish Islander III. [Roger LeLievre]
