Hyannis Ferry Crash: Captain On Leave; 15 Hurt

BARNSTABLE, MA — The captain and pilot of the ferry Iyanough were placed on leave after the ship crashed into a jetty last week, resulting in injuries to 15 passengers. All of the injured have been released from the hospital, according to The Steamship Authority, which operates the Iyanough. The wreck happened Friday, June 16 in Hyannis Harbor.

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The Iyanough's captain and pilot were placed on leave as the investigation into the crash continues, The Steamship Authority said in a statement Wednesday. Both tested negative for alcohol; drug tests are pending.

"The Captain and the Pilot are both seasoned mariners, with over 60 years of combined experience," The Steamship Authority said in a statement.

The crash happened at about Friday at about 10 p.m. during a stretch of rainy weather and rough seas. The ferry had a crew of nine and 48 passengers aboard at the time of the crash. A Coast Guard helicopter airlifted 15 passengers from the ship. Coast Guard Commander Jeannot Smith said rough seas, strong winds and slippery rocks impeded the rescue effort.

The 154-foot Iyanough is a high-speed ferry that serves the 26-mile route between Hyannis and Nantucket. Its travel speed is about 35 knots or roughly 40 mph and it completes the trip in about an hour. The ship will be out of service for about four weeks for repairs and The Steamship Authority said it leased another ferry for the route.

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Hyannis Ferry Crash: 15 Hurt

Photo: The ferry Iyanough, which crashed into a jetty in Hyannis June 16, 2017. (Credit: Hyannis Fire Department)