At least six people were seriously injured when the Steamship Authority’s MV Iyanough struck the Hyannis Harbor breakwater on its evening return trip from Nantucket.  Unofficial reports state that the vessel was traveling at over 30 knots and that the bridge reported a problem with the radar while signaling a MAYDAY call at approximately 9:30 PM Friday evening.  Of course it will require a full investigation to conclude the cause of the incident.

Our motorsailer  Second Wind had completed the same entrance earlier that day during daylight when it was more obvious that the approach from the sea takes a starboard turn at the entrance to Hyannis Harbor, and continuing straight would take a vessel directly into the waiting arms of the breakwater.   We were docked in the same harbor as the returning vessel and saw it come limping into port during the morning, like a sad sailor only just beginning to understand the full ramifications of a tough night “on the rocks.”

During our mid-day departure from Hyannis the double bite out of the breakwater was still  apparent, and the speed and force to split and almost pass through the rocks must have been incredible.  Our thoughts are with the unfortunate passengers that had  their journey unexpectedly end in a horrible, screeching crash and had to be evacuated by rescue boats or helicopter.   Somehow the crew of Second Wind slept through the rescue operation bringing passengers to hospital or to the harbor during the dark, rainy night.

As safety never takes a holiday, I can only remind captains to always stay alert and never rely on only one source of information for critical navigation, but use all available.  If  if there is a conflict or confusion between them, slow down to assess. Use radar, GPS, depth, time, plus vision and hearing to detect bouys, lights and sounds to confirm your exact position.

As seen from Second Wind

Divers attempt to assess the full damage to the vessel’s hull

Limping Home

Double Bite from the Breakwater

As seen from Second Wind