Investigation Into 2017 Ferry Crash On Cape Cod Completed

HYANNIS, MA — The U.S. Coast Guard has completed its investigation into a 2017 ferry crash in Hyannis that left 15 people hospitalized. The high-speed ferry Iyanough, operated by the Steamship Authority, crashed into a jetty on June 16, 2017. Fifteen of the 57 people onboard were airlifted from the ship, Patch previously reported.

According to the Coast Guard, the following factors contributed to the grounding: the 1st officer's unfamiliarity with the vessel, the master's distraction while helping the 1st officer with the spotlight at a critical moment, radar confusion, reduced visibility, the ship's speed and an outdated operations manual.

An earlier investigation conducted by the Steamship Authority found the Iyanough's captain mistook a metal pole and two sailboats for buoys, NECN reported. The pilot had to use radar for navigation when the captain could not find a buoy, according to the network.

The Coast Guard plans to release a "Findings of Concern" and recommends periodically reassessing ships' operations manual.

"Currently, there are no requirements or guidance to operators to review or resubmit a vessel operations manual, and once written, the manual is good for the life of the vessel," according to the Coast Guard. "This does not address, nor take into account changes on board the vessel with systems or procedures, nor provide procedures for the Coast Guard to verify the content of the manual is current and applicable."