Complete Maritime Profile & Reviews of Island-Home

On December 10, 2024, the ferry 'Island Home' experienced disruptions to its schedule following the discovery of a faulty pressure relief valve that required immediate replacement. As of December 12, the vessel was still docked in Woods Hole, awaiting the arrival of a replacement part which had to be transported from Louisiana. In light of the situation, the ferry operator alerted passengers to potential limitations for both foot and vehicle traffic due to the smaller size of the alternate ferry, 'Katama.' This unexpected incident has affected travel plans for numerous passengers who rely on the 'Island Home' for transportation.

On the morning of March 23, 2023, at approximately 8:30 a.m., the ferry 'Island Home' experienced a dangerous near miss with the charter fishing vessel 'Helen H', which is based in Hyannis. This incident took place along the busy maritime route connecting Woods Hole to Vineyard Haven, significantly increasing the tension amongst passengers onboard. The 'Helen H', measuring 80 feet in length, unexpectedly emerged from dense fog and made a sudden course adjustment, leading to a potential collision with the ferry. Initially, the fishing vessel was on a safe trajectory, ensuring ample distance from the 'Island Home'. However, the skipper's abrupt change in direction brought the two vessels alarmingly close. In response to this unforeseen maneuver, the captain of the 'Island Home' had to react swiftly, applying the brakes and throttling down to avoid a collision. Fortunately, thanks to the captain's quick thinking and skillful navigation, no collision occurred, and the Coast Guard was not required to intervene. This incident serves as a reminder of the critical importance of vigilance and communication in maritime operations.

On November 15, 2020, news broke that a crew member of the 'Island Home' ferry had tested positive for COVID-19. The individual was last on duty during the watch that commenced with the 1:15 p.m. sailing on November 11 and concluded with the ferry's arrival in Woods Hole at 12:45 p.m. on November 12. Prior to his shift on November 15, the crew member reported experiencing symptoms consistent with the flu and subsequently underwent a rapid COVID-19 test, which returned positive results. Fortunately, it seems that the crew member had minimal interaction with the public during working hours, reducing the risk of viral spread. In response to the situation, the relevant authorities have begun reaching out to colleagues who were in close contact with the affected crew member, advising them to get tested for COVID-19. Importantly, those employees will remain off duty until they either receive negative test results or obtain clearance from a medical professional to return to work. At this time, there are no expected interruptions or changes to operations for the 'Island Home' ferry service, ensuring continued travel for passengers. The health and safety of both crew members and passengers remain a top priority.