HYANNIS – The Steamship Authority says inclement weather, strong winds, and choppy seas played complicating factors in the grounding of their vessel in Hyannis Harbor Friday night and has announced that the Captain and Pilot of the vessel have been placed on administrative leave, pending the results of an ongoing investigation.
Both the Captain and Pilot tested negative for alcohol. Officials are still awaiting the results of drug tests.
The Captain and Pilot are described as seasoned mariners, with over 60 years of experienced combined.
According to a release by the Authority, public safety officials also dealt with poor weather conditions that impacted the passenger rescues and medical evacuations from the M/V Iyanough.
There were 48 passengers onboard when the vessel grounded. There were also 6 crew members and 3 food service workers. 15 people were taken to Cape Cod Hospital with various injuries, according to the Hyannis Fire Department.
The Coast Guard continues to conduct interviews with the crew to gather more information on the grounding. The Steamship Authority is conducting its own internal review.
The Steamship Authority expects the M/V Iyanough to be out of service for the next 3 to 4 weeks. The boat line has leased a high speed ferry for trips this week and will be looking at their options for the next few weeks until the Iyanough can return to service.
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