Mechanical problems with the Motor Vessel Carteret have forced the North Carolina Ferry Division to temporarily suspend some ferry trips from the mainland to Ocracoke Island.

The 5 p.m. trip from Cedar Island to Ocracoke and the 2 p.m. trip from Ocracoke to Cedar Island have been suspended. Also suspended are the 7 a.m. run from Ocracoke to Swan Quarter and the 10 a.m. run from Swan Quarter to Ocracoke.

Other daily trips that will remain include the 7:30 a.m. trips between Ocracoke and Cedar Island and the 10:30 trips between Ocracoke and Cedar Island. Also remaining will be the 1 p.m. run from Ocracoke to Swan Quarter, the 2 p.m. run from Cedar Island to Ocracoke, the 5 p.m. run from Ocracoke Island to Cedar Island and the 5 p.m. run from Swan Quarter to Ocracoke.

According to an announcement from the ferry division, the normal year-round schedule will return as soon as the MV Carteret is repaired and running safely. Travelers with reservations on any of the cancelled runs should call the reservations center at 1-800-293-3779 to make alternative arrangements.