Wildlife biologist John Pratte steers the ferry toward Swan Island from Richmond on Thursday on the Kennebec River.

A bald eagle watches the passing ferry from a tree Thursday as the vessel goes from Swan Island to Richmond.

Andrew Marshall, a summer employee working on Swan Island, jumps onto the dock to tie up the new ferry Thursday as it approaches Richmond.

The new Swan Island ferry crosses the Kennebec River on Thursday between the island and Richmond.

Visitors walk from the new ferry toward a tour truck on Thursday on Swan Island.

The new Swan Island ferry heads toward the dock Thursday in Richmond.