The Maine State Ferry Captain E. Frank Thompson, known popularly on Midcoast Maine as the “dayboat” between Rockland and Vinalhaven, is hauled out at the Rockland Marine Corporation yard for repairs following mechanical problems, according to state officials.
The ferry arrived at the yard March 9 ahead of a scheduled servicing to avoid problems during the ferry’s busy season, Maine Department of Transportation spokesman Andrew Gobeil told the Midcoast Villager March 12.
State ferry service engineers are working with Rockland Marine staff identify the scope of work, which is expected to take several weeks.
In service since 2012, the 154’x38’, 1,710 hp Captain E. Frank Thompson carries up to 168 passengers and 23 vehicles.
While the Thompson is in the yard, the Maine State Ferry will put the 130’x46’ Capt. Henry Lee into service on the route.
