What Crew Members Say About Eagle

On April 5, 2025, at 5:30 p.m., the ferry 'Eagle' encountered a notable incident while departing from Nantucket Island, Massachusetts. During its routine journey to Hyannis, the vessel made contact with a concrete dolphin located at the Steamboat Wharf. The allision occurred when the 'Eagle' struck the outer dolphin with its portside hull, resulting in the dolphin breaking apart and debris falling into the surrounding waters. Although some flotsam and exposed piles were noted in the ocean, the ferry itself sustained no major damage and continued its scheduled service without delay. The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident is ongoing, suggesting that the dolphin may have sustained previous damage prior to the collision. To view the incident, you can watch the video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eN5x-7S_AL0&t=28s.

The Steamship Authority (SSA) has taken swift action after a Nantucket terminal employee tested positive for COVID-19 on May 20, 2020. The employee had been last present at the terminal on May 11, prompting the SSA to collaborate closely with public health authorities in Nantucket and Barnstable County. Their goal is to effectively communicate health guidelines and infection prevention strategies to both passengers and employees who may have been exposed. Upon confirmation of the positive test, the SSA initiated a comprehensive cleaning and disinfection process at the Nantucket terminal. In a proactive approach, the Authority is also utilizing the drive-through COVID-19 evaluation site at Nantucket Cottage Hospital to assess whether additional testing is necessary for staff members at the terminal. This particular employee is known to commute from the mainland, raising concerns about exposure among the crew and passengers. To ensure the highest level of safety, the SSA has engaged Moran Environmental Recovery to conduct an extensive deep cleaning of two ferries, namely the 'Eagle' and the 'Gay Head,' while they are docked in Hyannis at night. Although the Authority's crews have been diligently implementing enhanced cleaning measures between trips—disinfecting frequently touched surfaces such as handrails, tabletops, door handles, seats, faucets, and restrooms—the contracted services will further bolster these efforts. Notably, the MV 'Sankaty' is temporarily substituting for the 'Eagle' to facilitate the cleaning process. SSA staff are actively reaching out to crew members assigned to the affected vessels and employees at the Hyannis terminal to assess any exposure risks and determine necessary quarantine or testing protocols. Furthermore, efforts are underway to identify any passengers who may have interacted with the COVID-19 positive employee, ensuring they receive timely notifications regarding potential exposure.