Reviews & Ratings for the Sankaty

The Steamship Authority (SSA) is grappling with crew shortages, leading to the cancellation of multiple sailings of the ferries, particularly affecting the 'Sankaty.' Announced on September 23, 2022, the cancellations began with the 11:05 a.m. departure from Woods Hole. All scheduled trips for that day, as well as the early morning 5:30 a.m. route on September 24 from Vineyard Haven, have been scrapped. This disruption was triggered by a crew member’s illness, leaving the SSA unable to find a replacement on short notice. In light of these circumstances, automobile bookings for the Vineyard route have been suspended to allow terminal staff to manage passenger flow more effectively. Travelers who originally made reservations on the 'Sankaty' are encouraged to arrive at the Woods Hole Terminal or Vineyard Haven Terminal at their designated reservation times to secure standby travel opportunities.

On August 6, 2018, the 'Sankaty' ferry experienced cancellations that disrupted its morning services. The first sailing, scheduled for 6:45 a.m. from Woods Hole to Vineyard Haven, and the subsequent trip at 10:15 a.m. back to Woods Hole were both affected by mechanical difficulties. The issue stemmed from a faulty shore power connection that led to the ferry’s batteries being drained, prompting the cancellation of these vital routes.

On the evening of December 30, 2016, ferry operations between Woods Hole and Martha's Vineyard experienced brief interruptions following a minor allision involving the ferries "Sankaty" and "Island Home." The incident occurred around 6 p.m. as the "Sankaty" was maneuvering into a ferry slip in Woods Hole and inadvertently made contact with the "Island Home," which was docked in an adjacent slip. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported, and neither vessel sustained significant damage. The "Sankaty" suffered some cosmetic marks above the rub rail, resulting in a slight crease on the bulwark, while the "Island Home" also had superficial scrapes. Fortunately, the hull of the "Sankaty" remained intact, and the cosmetic damage will be rectified during the next scheduled service. The cause of the allision, possibly influenced by wind conditions, remains uncertain. The United States Coast Guard promptly arrived at the scene, granting clearance for the Steamship Authority to resume operations. As a result, the "Sankaty"’s 6:30 p.m. sailing to Martha's Vineyard was pushed back by approximately an hour, while the return trip faced similar delays. Meanwhile, the "Island Home" continued its schedule without incident.