NBC

Drug Tests Negative for Captain, Pilot of Crashed Ferry

Eighteen people were injured in the accident

Drug tests came back negative for the captain and pilot of the ferry that crashed off Cape Cod a week ago, injuring 18.

Both are on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of an investigation into the June 16 accident. Alcohol tests had previously come back negative.

The ferry Iyanough hit the jetty and grounded on the rocks at the Hyannis Harbor entrance around 10 p.m. The ferry serves the 26-mile route between Nantucket and Hyannis. There were 48 passengers, six crew members and three food service workers on board the vessel at the time of the accident.

The Steamship Authority, which operates the ferry, released the drug test results on Friday afternoon. The U.S. Coast Guard is still investigating the cause of the accident, but inclement weather, strong winds and choppy seas have been cited as complicating factors in the grounding of the vessel.

The authority said both the captain and pilot were in the wheelhouse at the time of the accident. 

The Iyanough is expected to be out of service for three to four weeks while undergoing repairs. Another high-speed ferry has been chartered in order to accommodate passengers traveling to and from Nantucket, but the trips will have a lower capacity than usual.

Passengers are encouraged to check for any schedule changes and updates at www.steamshipauthority.com.

Contact Us