Security exercise planned for Hatteras ferry route

The N.C. Department of Transportation’s Ferry Division will participate Thursday in a planned Homeland Security exercise at the Hatteras-Ocracoke ferry route.

Agencies participating include the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Transportation Security Administration VIPR Team, Dare County Sheriff’s Office, Hyde County Sheriff’s Office, Dare County Emergency Management, U.S. Coast Guard Sector North Carolina and crews of the assigned vessels, according to a news release.

The exercise is designed to enhance security at the Hatteras ferry terminal and south dock ferry terminal on the Ocracoke side, the release says, by having local and federal agencies working together to supplement existing security resources.

The program has been implemented across the nation over the last few years, according to the statement.

The exercise is expected to start at 7:30 a.m. and last until about 9 p.m.

Ferry service on the Hatteras Inlet route will not be interrupted.