With a holiday weekend approaching, the Steamship Authority was scrambling Wednesday to provide reliable service in light of continuing mechanical problems that have sidelined the two main passenger ferries to the Vineyard.
Ferry service to and from the Vineyard has returned to some degree of normalcy as the Vineyard representative on the board of governors called for an independent review of communications and operations.
With two ferries sidelined with mechanical problems, the Steamship Authority will continue to operate through the weekend with just two freight boats, the Katama and the Sankaty, and the SeaStreak.
The ferry Woods Hole was pulled from service late Thursday because of mechanical problems, the Steamship Authority announced, adding to a series of issues with the boat line’s ferries.
Cameras in hand, at least 30 people gathered at the Steamship Authority slip Monday afternoon to watch the new ferry Woods Hole dock after its ceremonial maiden voyage.
Monday will be a day of celebration for the Woods Hole, the newest ferry to join the Steamship Authority fleet. The ferry arrived in Woods Hole harbor Monday morning. Commissioning ceremonies begin at noon. The ferry travels to Vineyard Haven in the afternoon for an open house.
The newest member of the Steamship Authority fleet was in Fairhaven Tuesday for a final fitting out. A formal commissioning and maiden voyage to the Vineyard are planned for June 13 — then all aboard.
The newest Steamship Authority ferry has arrived in Massachusetts waters, docking at the Steamship Authority facility in Fairhaven, just across Buzzards Bay from her future home port.
