Nantucket Ferry Repairs Underway After Hull Issue
Coast Guard grounds Nantucket ferry M/V Eagle due to critical hull corrosion
Nantucket Ferry Out for Hull Repairs
Travelers to Nantucket face indefinite service disruptions after the Steamship Authority pulled the M/V Eagle from service November 8. The U.S. Coast Guard flagged critical hull corrosion that prevents the vessel from operating, Sean Driscoll, Steamship Authority spokesperson, told reporters. Officials haven't said when the ferry will return to service or how many passengers are affected daily.
The Steamship Authority operates ferry service connecting Cape Cod communities to Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket, providing essential transportation for island residents and visitors. The M/V Eagle serves routes to Nantucket from mainland terminals including Woods Hole, Hyannis, and New Bedford. Coast Guard regulations require immediate grounding of vessels that don't meet safety standards, particularly for hull integrity issues. The agency hasn't disclosed how the corrosion was discovered or whether routine inspections identified the problem.
The vessel can't operate until all necessary repairs are completed, according to Driscoll. Officials haven't released cost estimates for the hull repairs or provided technical details about the extent of the corrosion damage. The Steamship Authority hasn't announced specific alternative arrangements for affected passengers or schedule modifications on other vessels. Whether the agency will deploy replacement vessels from other routes wasn't immediately clear.
The service suspension began November 8, but officials haven't provided a timeline for when repairs will be completed. The Steamship Authority typically announces service changes several weeks in advance, though emergency situations require immediate action. How long the vessel will remain out of service depends on the repair assessment, which officials said is still ongoing.
Island communities depend heavily on ferry service for transportation of residents, goods, and tourists, making extended disruptions particularly challenging. The Steamship Authority hasn't specified how many daily trips or passengers are affected by the M/V Eagle's absence from service. Travelers can check Moovit for current ferry schedules and service updates as the situation develops. Officials said they'll release more information about repair timelines once assessments are complete.
