Island-Home

On Dec 10, 2024, the 'Island Home' had to cancel sailings due to a reduction pressure relief valve that needed to be replaced. The 'Island Home' was still waiting in Woods Hole for repairs as of Dec 12, as a technician had to bring a replacement part from Louisiana first. The ferry line had warned passengers there may be cutoffs for passengers and vehicles since the 'Katama' is smaller than the 'Island Home'.

The ÄIsland Home' was in a near collision with the 80-foot charter fishing vessel 'Helen H' from Hyannis, on March 23, 2023, at 8.30 a.m. about midway through a route from Woods Hole to Vineyard Haven. The fishing vessel came out of the fog and swerved off course before it would have collided with the ferry. The 'Helen H.' originally had a course that gave plenty of space between the 'Island Home', but the skipper changed direction within a short distance. The captain of the 'Island Home' was forced to stop the ferry abruptly. The 'Island Home' captain had to throttle down to allow for the sudden change in course of the other vessel, but it didn’t result in any intervention by the Coast Guard.

On Nov 15, 2020, a crew member of the 'Island Home' tested positive for the virus. He last worked on the ferry on the watch that began with the 1:15 p.m. trip on Nov. 11, and ended with the vessel’s 12:45 p.m. arrival in Woods Hole on Nov. 12. Prior to reporting for work on Nov. 15, he reported experiencing flu-like symptoms and underwent a rapid test for COVID-19, the results of which were positive. He was unlikely to have any prolonged exposure with any member of the public during the work hours. The Authority started notifying vessel employees who were in close contact with the affected man and directing them to be tested for COVID-19. Those employees will not be allowed to return to work until after they receive a negative test result or are cleared to work by a medical professional. No operational changes or interruptions are anticipated as a result of this incident.