North Kingstown-bound Fast Ferry loses power off coast of Martha’s Vineyard

May 27, 2018 2:13 pm

By Sam Vaccaro

Email: svaccaro@abc6.com

Twitter: @VaccaroABC6

VINEYARD HAVEN, MA (WLNE) – A Martha’s Vineyard Fast Ferry en route to North Kingstown was immobilized in the water off the coast of the Vineyard Sunday afternoon.

The U.S. Coast Guard told ABC6 that Motor Vessel Eva Pearl was departing from Vineyard Haven harbor when it lost propulsion one quarter mile offshore with 75 passengers on board around 11:45 a.m. Sunday.

Commercial towing vessels were dispatched to the scene to tow the ferry back to Vineyard Haven harbor where passengers disembarked.

Martha’s Vineyard Fast Ferry management told ABC6 the crew worked hard to ensure the safety of the passengers as well as that of the vessel. No one was injured during the incident.

The U.S. Coast Guard said the cause of the loss of propulsion is being investigated.

No word yet on when the passengers are expected to be ferried back to their original destination in North Kingstown, but Fast Ferry Management said that plans are in the process of being made at this time.