Crew Reviews, Ratings & Info for Tuckernuck

On December 11, 2024, the 'Katama' faced a fuel-related hiccup that led to significant disruptions in its sailing schedule. The ferry, operating service between Woods Hole and Vineyard Haven, was able to resume operations later in the day, beginning with a revised departure time of 10:45 a.m. However, earlier sailings, including the 7 a.m. trip from Vineyard Haven, the 8:15 a.m. departure from Woods Hole, and the 9:30 a.m. sailing from Vineyard Haven, were unfortunately canceled due to the complications. This incident is part of a challenging few days for the ferry line, as the 'Island Home' had already been sidelined due to necessary repairs involving a faulty pressure relief valve. As of December 11, 'Island Home' remained docked in Woods Hole, awaiting a crucial replacement part that had to be delivered from Louisiana. The ferry service has advised passengers to expect possible restrictions on vehicle and passenger boarding, as the 'Katama' has a smaller capacity compared to the 'Island Home'. Stay tuned for updates on the ferry operations as maintenance and repairs continue.

On January 29, 2021, a crew member aboard the 'Katama' tested positive for COVID-19, prompting the Steamship Authority to implement enhanced safety protocols to protect both the public and their staff. The affected employee, who worked on January 26 during all four of the vessel's scheduled round trips, did not have prolonged interactions with passengers due to the nature of his duties. After feeling unwell, he underwent testing for COVID-19 and promptly reported the positive result to the Authority. The Barnstable County Department of Health and Environment, alongside Cape Cod Healthcare, has initiated arrangements for COVID-19 testing for crew members who were in close contact with the individual. These employees will remain off duty until they either receive a negative test result or receive clearance from a healthcare professional. Fortunately, no changes or disruptions to vessel operations are expected as a result of this case. Moreover, the Steamship Authority ensures rigorous nightly cleaning with hospital-grade disinfectants across all ships to maintain safety in both public and crew areas.

On the evening of December 23, 2019, the ferry 'Katama' encountered a steering power failure while navigating near Nobska Light during its journey from Vineyard Haven to Woods Hole. Despite the steering issue, the vessel maintained its propulsion and was able to continue moving. To ensure the safe return of the ferry, two tugboats were deployed to escort it back to Vineyard Haven, where it safely docked at 8:15 p.m. Onboard were 78 passengers, 7 crew members, and 29 vehicles. Following the ferry's return, passengers and vehicles were seamlessly transferred to the 'Martha's Vineyard,' which subsequently made its way to Woods Hole, arriving by 9:15 p.m. Due to the incident, the scheduled 5:30 a.m. departure from Vineyard to Woods Hole on December 24 was cancelled. Engineering and maintenance teams were on-site to assess and rectify the steering problem, ensuring the safety and reliability of future services.