Thomas Meek

The city of Sistersville is looking for a qualified person to pilot the Sistersville Ferry Boat after the vessel’s captain was recently arrested on criminal charges.

Thomas Meek, 55, of Sardis was arrested June 4 by Monroe County Sheriff’s Department deputies on the charges of domestic violence and one count of weapons while intoxicated.

“At approximately 6:03 p.m., the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office received a call of a domestic disturbance at a residence on Narrows Run Road involving the discharge of a firearm multiple times at an occupied vehicle,” Monroe County Sheriff Derek Norman said on the department’s social media.

“The Monroe County Special Response Team Deputies, and detectives were called to the scene, and after some time (Meek) was taken into custody.

“Our priority is always to ensure the safety of everyone involved in such situations, and we are relieved this incident concluded without further harm.”

On the Sistersville Ferry social media page, officials noted the ferry’s board of directors are “working to resolve our situation” without mentioning Meek’s arrest.

“We have felt your support and we greatly appreciate it. We have overcome obstacles in the past, and we will continue to do so. We want to keep this tourist attraction around for decades. It is the last operating ferry in West Virginia,” officials wrote.

“We appreciate your understanding and grace as we work to resolve the situation. If you know anyone who is qualified to pilot the ferry, please contact Sistersville City Hall, 304-652-6361.”

The Sistersville Ferry, which carries passengers and traffic from Sistersville and Fly, Ohio, has been operating on the Ohio river since 1817 and is known as the oldest and now the only remaining Ferry serving West Virginia and Ohio.

Meek became the captain earlier this year and had previously served as a deckhand in the summer of 2023. He was hired to fill the job vacated by the retirement of Capt. Bo Haus.