NEW BEDFORD — Concerns about crew shortages have led the Woods Hole, Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket Steamship Authority to cut back on its summer schedules.
but, Seastreak Ferry and Cuttyhunk Ferry Co. New Bedford State Pier has not reported a shortage of available crew members or reductions in service.
Sean Driscoll, public affairs director for the Steamship Authority, told the Cape Cod Times that the schedule changes will reduce the ferry’s available parking spaces by single digits.
According to the Cape Cod Times, Steamship Authority Director Peter Jeffery of Falmouth said the authority did not have enough crew members to actually operate the schedule originally announced.
“Part of it is attrition due to retirements, but it’s also very difficult to recruit new people,” he said. “It takes a while to train people to the rank of pilot or captain.”
The Steamship Authority changes will be in effect from June 17th to September 5th.
Newbie:Take a ferry trip from New Bedford to Martha’s Vineyard
Seastreak’s summer ferry schedule remains unaffected
Seastreak’s summer ferry schedule between Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket has not been cut, reflecting concerns about crew availability.
A representative at Seastreak’s ticket office said the company is not experiencing staffing issues.
The Seastreak ferry carries passengers but no vehicles.
Let’s branch:The New Bedford ferry company offers Sunday brunch during cruises on Buzzards Bay.
The Cuttyhunk Ferry is fully booked.
“Luckily, all of our crew are really great people. We have two backup captains. We’re doing fine. We haven’t had the same issues,” said Capt. Jono Billings, owner and operator of the Cuttyhunk Ferry.
The Cuttyhunk Ferry Company carries people, mail, groceries and other goods to Cuttyhunk Island, which is 1.5 miles long and 3/4 miles wide. Cuttyhunk is part of the town of Gosnold, which comprises the Elizabeth Islands.
