A Steamship Authority freight boat from Vineyard Haven to Woods Hole lost steering power during its passage in the Vineyard Sound Monday evening, forcing two tugboats to guide it back to the Island.
“During its scheduled 5:20 p.m. trip from Vineyard Haven to Woods Hole this evening, the M/V Katama lost steering capabilities outside of Woods Hole passage,” according to a post from the Steamship Authority’s Twitter account. “The vessel still has propulsion and power.”
There are 78 passengers on the boat, as well as seven crew and 29 vehicles, according to the release.
“Our crew members are making regular announcements and are able to keep the vessel positioned in such a way so as to not affect the passage of other vessels in the area,” another Twitter post from the SSA reads. “There have been no injuries and those on board are in no danger.”
The Coast Guard has since approved the Katama’s return to Vineyard Haven, where passengers will be placed on the next available boat to Woods Hole, according to the Twitter post. The Steamship Authority has stated that additional updates will be made as they become available.
Currently, the M/V Katama is docked in a slip in Vineyard Haven harbor after being stranded at sea for over two hours.
