Journal file photo/ Ruben W. Perez
The ferry between Bristol and Prudence Island heads to port in May 2010.
PORTSMOUTH, R.I. (AP) -- The operator of the ferry between Bristol and Prudence Island has told local officials that the service will cease operations in December, leaving island residents with no transportation to the mainland.
The Newport Daily News reports that Bristol Ferry President Bruce Medley sent an email to Portsmouth officials this week saying the service will end after the last ferry on Dec. 1.
Prudence Island Planning Committee Chairman Harry Sterling says local residents are working together to put another ferry service in place.
Seventy-five island residents met last Sunday to discuss strategies for preventing a disruption in ferry service, after hearing rumors that the service was going to end.
It's not clear why Medley is ending the service, which includes two ferries.