Georgetown, SC - The people of Sandy Island are looking for a safe way home. Tuesday, a special committee met in Georgetown to try to address their transportation needs after three family members drowned trying to get home.

According to Sandy Island residents and Georgetown County administrators, the private boats Sandy Island residents are using to get on and off the island are not cutting it, but it’s all they have right now.

“They deserve better transportation. We deserve that,” Reverend George Weathers, a life long Sandy Island resident said.

Reverend Weathers is now fighting to bridge a transportation gap for islanders.

“We want something happen right away because before something else happen, [before] a tragedy happens again,” Weathers said.

A recent survey of island residents shows most agree with the reverend.

Seventy percent of those surveyed say the best short term solution is a school boat ferry run by the district, but that decision ultimately lies with the school district.

“In preliminary discussions with the superintendent….he was willing to cooperate in any way he could but he made it clear, consistently, that he didn’t have the funding in his budget to address it” Georgetown County Administrator Sel Hemingway said. 

While the county figures out how much that will cost, DNR officials talked about the costs for a long term option. A car ferry, favored by residents, based on the survey, could cost about $400,000 a year to operate and about $2.5 million to buy.

Whether that money comes from the federal, state or county level, Reverend Weathers says they have a right to it.

“We’re not animals. We are human beings and we need to be treated like humans,” Reverend Weathers said.

The Reverend and sandy island residents are now hoping those off the island hear their call for help.

The committee is set to meet again within the next 30 days.

Below are more of the survey results taken:

61 surveys were returned

- Residents: 35

- Part-time: 18

- Non-Residents: 8

- 37%: Employed

- 24% Retired

What means of transportation do you use to access the island?

- 37%: Friend’s boat

- 34%: Personal boat

Why the need for a public ferry?

- 55%: Ferry boat would be economical

- 11%: Boats are unreliable

How often would you use a car ferry to move a car?

- 54%: Daily

- 15%: Weekly

Days of the week you need public transportation:

- 14-15% answered each day of the week

What fare would you be willing to pay for the ferry?

- 44%: Free

- 47%: $1.50-2.50

- 70%: Expand school boat ferry use

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