The ferry Martha’s Vineyard resumed service on Monday morning with the 7 a.m. run from Woods Hole to Vineyard Haven, the Steamship Authority confirmed.
The ferry Martha’s Vineyard resumed service on Monday morning with the 7 a.m. run from Woods Hole to Vineyard Haven, the Steamship Authority confirmed, after a day out of service following a power loss off East Chop Saturday night.
“The Coast Guard released it last night,” said Marc Hanover, the Vineyard boat line governor.
Steamship Authority general manager Robert Davis said in a statement that the the ferry completed sea trials Sunday with a back-up fuel pump, and was further inspected by the Coast Guard before it was cleared to return to service Monday morning. It was operating Monday on its normal schedule.
The vessel lost power during the 8:30 p.m. run from Vineyard Haven to Woods Hole. The boat had to be towed back to the Vineyard Haven arriving shortly before 2 a.m. Sunday morning. There were 72 passengers, 11 crew members, three food service employees, and 12 cars aboard.
Mr. Davis said in the statement that an investigation found that the main fuel oil transfer pump on the Martha's Vineyard was not generating enough pressure to transfer fuel oil properly, which led to the vessel losing power.
“I have heard from numerous passengers that the crew was outstanding, handing out pillows and trying to make the passengers as comfortable as possible,” Mr. Hanover said.
The power loss Saturday came on the heels of several days of troubles with the ferry Woods Hole, which briefly grounded Thursday and was out of service Friday and Saturday because of an onboard operating error.
Mr. Davis said in the statement that a new control mechanism was installed Sunday night on the Woods Hole. The vessel was ongoing tests but was expected to be fully operational on Monday, he said, though scheduled trips might be delayed.
“We’ve had a difficult four months,” Mr. Hanover said.

Comments
Fuel oil transfer pump
Marine Engineer On IslandFuel oil transfer pump stopped working. What about the back-up? Usually there is a back up of all critical equipment.
SSA should provide refunds.
JS EDGSSA should provide refunds. Having to sit outside on a 25 degree day not pleasant.
What's gonna happen to the
charlie callahan so boston/edgartownWhat's gonna happen to the passengers when this happens in woods hole now that there is no termainal FOR FIVE YEARS. Where are 100 people gonna sit when it's 10 degrees outside and the boat is delayed or broken down, have they provided any kind of shelter for this in Woods Hole
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