Smith’s Ferry adds new vessel to its fleet

Smith’s Ferry Services has introduced a new vessel, I Legend, increasing its fleet to two.

During a ceremonial launch on Sunday, February 2, Marjorie Smith, President of the company, highlighted that the vessel was named in honor of her father, the late Captain Ira Smith, who founded the company.

I Legend is the second vessel added to the fleet since the company’s relaunch in 2019. It is expected to service the route between the BVI and St. Thomas (USVI) with a seating capacity of 149.

Smith described I Legend as a beacon of hope, symbolizing both the company’s resilience and the expansion of the local ferry industry.

“It is a private business, but we are providing a public service as we maintain connectivity in the Virgin Islands,” she stated.

The family-owned business also announced that Rikky Baynes and Hakeem Farrington, both sons of Smith, will serve as captains of the vessel. Baynes noted that he gained valuable skills while helping construct I Legend in Australia.

Smith emphasized the importance of the ferry industry to the BVI community and reiterated the company’s commitment to rebuilding after the devastation of Hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017.

She stated that before the storms, the company had approximately six vessels but lost them all in the disasters. Since then, efforts to rebuild have now resulted in two operational vessels.

She also highlighted Bomber Charger, the first vessel added to the fleet following the company’s relaunch in 2019, and the extensive efforts that went into its reconstruction.