CAPT RICHARD SPEAR

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Course/Position

Latest news

Report: Grounding was caused by human error

The grounding of the 'Captain Richard G. Spear' on Aug 16 off Vinalhaven was caused by human error, an independent investigations made by both the Maine Department of Transportation and the U.S. Coast Guard found out. Based on the results of the investigation, MaineDOT concluded that they have taken appropriate action. No final written disciplinary action has been taken. The employee who was captaining the ferry during the incident was a longtime MSFS team member who has experience making the run between Rockland and Vinalhaven. The 'Captain Richard G. Spear' returned to service in mid-November. The cost of the repairs from the grounding was approximately $150,000. When the ship struck a ledge off Vinalhaven when pulling out with 65 passengers on board, the starboard rudder was damaged and the port rudder was knocked off from the impact with the ledge. There was also damage to at least one propeller. The incident occurred about 90 minutes before high tide. The Spear was then taken to the Rockland Marine Corp. shipyard repair facility in Rockland where the repair work was done.