In southern Chile's Chiloé archipelago, a ferry crossing functions as a continuation of the road. In September 2021, only two barges were operating across the Dalcahue Channel, producing long delays for people and vehicles travelling to and from Quinchao Island. Local radio reported waits of up to two hours for a crossing that itself took only about five minutes.
The vehicle line was not made up only of visitors. Islanders travelling for work, school, medical appointments or shopping waited for the same limited deck space as trucks carrying goods. Where the sea interrupts the road, catching the next sailing can determine an entire day's schedule.
The shorter the crossing, the sharper the contrast with the wait. The opposite shore may be visible, but vehicles can still board only one at a time. The queue made visible how island life depends on the order of maritime transport.