Based on WTRF Wheeling reporting

The Sistersville Ferry is now up on a barge and out of the Ohio River.

The historic craft that has transported people between Fly, Ohio and Sistersville, West Virginia for generations began sinking on April 9.

This morning, recovery contractors got it safely out of the river and that’s when the problem was discovered.

“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

“Now we’ll get her assessed and we’ll see where we go from here. The Ferry Board and the City of Sistersville is very committed to bringing ferry service back to the Ohio Valley for transportation, for tourist reasons, for entertainment. We have music on the ferry every Saturday afternoon usually so we’re committed to making this happen.”

Helen Buccella-Costa, Ferry Board Member