The owner of the Fort Ticonderoga Ferry on Tuesday announced he was cutting short, “effective immediately,” the ferry’s 2025 season, citing a “mechanical issue” and “the extraordinarily low water level” in Lake Champlain.

“Given the short notice I will honor any unused availability on 2025 commuter tickets as well as 2025 round trip tickets next year during the 2026 season. I apologize for any inconvenience this may cause you,” reads the post, from “Captain Jack,” on the Fort Ti Ferry’s Facebook Page.

“Captain Jack” is Jack Doyle, the ferry’s owner.

The Fort Ti Ferry, with the aid of a cable system, traverses Lake Champlain between Ticonderoga, N.Y., and Shoreham, Vt. The ferry can carry up to 18 cars and has a weight limit of 15 tons. It traditionally begins annual operations in May and runs into October. 

The ferry has dutifully whisked travelers across the lake since 1759. The service has understandably had to make occasional concessions to the Revolutionary War, gale-force winds and the vicissitudes of harsh Vermont winters. But this time, a historically depleted Lake Champlain has become a major stumbling block.