White's Ferry Gets Stuck, Drifts Down Potomac

It was a long and harrowing ride for passengers on a ferry that carries cars across the Potomac River upstream from Washington.

Montgomery County fire officials said White's Ferry got caught up in some debris Thursday morning. It was stopped in the water for more than three hours before a cable that guides it broke and it started drifting down the Potomac.

The ferry driver used the motor to guide it to shore, and a swift water rescue team used a small boat to rescue passengers.

Assistant Chief Scott Graham of the fire department said 14 passengers were taken off the ferry and no one was injured. Their cars were still on board as the ferry was towed to the dock.

Passenger Michelle Samuel told The Associated Press she “got a little panicked” after the cable broke and the ferry started drifting.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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