Ferry returns passengers to Vinalhaven after hitting ledge en route to Rockland

Wed, 08/16/2023 - 5:45pm
Capt. Richard G. Spear splashes into the Damariscotta River during its launch at Washburn & Doughty Shipyard in East Boothbay on Friday, April 9, 2021. (Photo by KEVIN BURNHAM/Boothbay Register)

    VINALHAVEN — The Captain Richard G. Spear, the Maine State Ferry Service vessel that runs between Rockland and Vinalhaven, ran aground off the coast of Vinalhaven on Wednesday, Aug. 16.

    According to the Maine Department of Transportation, in a news release, the Spear was pulling away from Vinalhaven shortly after 10:30 a.m. when it hit ledge. There were 65 passengers and five crew members aboard at the time of the grounding. No one was injured.

    The vessel returned to Vinalhaven to unload passengers. The Spear was taken to a private marina in Rockland, where it will be inspected.

    “There does not appear to be any significant damage to the hull of the vessel,” said MDOT. “As is the case with any grounding incident, the U.S. Coast Guard is investigating.”

    The Maine State Ferry Service is cooperating fully with that investigation.

    The Thursday ferry runs between Rockland and Vinalhaven that are normally performed by the Spear will be done by the Everett Libby.

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