The ferry Martha’s Vineyard was running again Saturday afternoon after becoming stuck in her slip in Vineyard Haven in the early morning when a transfer bridge cable failed.
The ferry Martha’s Vineyard was running again Saturday afternoon after becoming stuck in her slip in Vineyard Haven in the early morning when a transfer bridge cable failed.
Cable snapped on transfer bridge in early morning, temporarily hobbling service on the Vineyard route.
Cable snapped on transfer bridge in early morning, temporarily hobbling service on the Vineyard route.
The failure occurred at around 7:45 a.m. while the ferry was docked in the southernmost slip in Vineyard Haven, Steamship Authority spokesman Sean Driscoll confirmed in a statement.
There were no injuries, but the bridge was not functioning for several hours and the ferry was stuck in the slip.
The freight ferry Katama was brought in for relief while crews worked on the ramp. Eventially the ramp was lifted enough that the Martha’s Vineyard could get out of the slip. Service resumed, running out of slip one while work continued on the transfer bridge at slip two.
Extra crews were assembled to man the Katama and help alleviate traffic backlogs as a result of the incident.
"We thank customers for their patience,” Mr. Driscoll said.
Weather conditions Saturday were cold and blustery with high winds.
Home page picture by Jeanna Shepard.
Comments
The entire stack of counter
Jesse BurtonThe entire stack of counter weights appears to be missing from the right side of the ramp. Did it fall in the water? Perhaps the gazette could request the maintenance logs? 1" cable doesn't just "Fail" without some serious neglect.
So much rust and corrosion
BAU Vineyard HavenSo much rust and corrosion has been visible for years on those transfer bridge cable and weights in VH and in WH that it's a miracle they haven't failed long ago. Why conduct preventative maintenance on your marine operations when you can be spending all your $ on brand new buildings in Falmouth and WH?
Just more evidence that
Chief Operating Officer Vineyard HavenJust more evidence that Steamship Authority Board members need to act now on the principal recommendation of the HMS Report and bring in a Chief Operating Officer. Please stop listening to Bob Davis' objections to the COO hire.
Ferries broke down last year
Kenny VHFerries broke down last year consistently. This year seems to be major maintenance issues -- the OB pier, the VH slip. What else? Where is that COO? What does it take for the SSA to see that a beancounter can't run a marine operation -- and even as a beancounter the over runs on the WH ticket office are obscene. Is there even a preventive maintenance plan?? When is there good news?
Once again I am reminded of a
Granville White West TisburyOnce again I am reminded of a bumper sticker from th 1970s " The Steamship Authority is Not An Authority on Steamships"
I think we need to resurrect
DownislanderI think we need to resurrect that!
While we're at it, also No
Sara Piazza EdgartownWhile we're at it, also No Jets, Ban Big Buses, and Save the Sub-standatd Bump.
Way past time to start
Res EdgartownWay past time to start planning for a tunnel or bridge. No weather stoppages,boat maintenance problems parking lot & dock expenses.
With a bridge or tunnel, the
New Englander Edgartown summerWith a bridge or tunnel, the entire state forest will need to be turned into a parking lot...
Should a critical piece of
Katama Bill KatamaShould a critical piece of equipment be inspected every day? Its completely visible.
Someone should shine the
Norton Orchard Dodgers HoleSomeone should shine the Steamship authority emblem in the sky and get Wayne Lamson back stat. There are no words for where this organization is headed but we all know its ends with books and movies being written, and scripted. Make the call to Wayne today.
Stop complaining,you can't
The Zealot Vineyard HavenStop complaining,you can't have it both ways,an Island is sorounded by water no Bridges or Tunnels,Your confusing Martha's Vineyard Island with Manhattan Island,there not the same, one is a peacefull paradise the other is an Insane asylum,count your blessings be gratefull and thank the SSA everyday especially it's gracious Ferry personnel.
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