Ferry captain wasn’t impaired at time of crash

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A still from the Coast Guard rescue of the M/V Iyanough shows the ferry stuck on a jetty. The boat crashed into a jetty on its way back to Hyannis from Nantucket Friday. — Courtesy U.S. Coast Guard

The captain and the pilot of a fast ferry M/V Iyanough that crashed into a breakwater near Hyannis a week were not under the influence of drugs or alcohol, according to the Steamship Authority.

The results of the drug tests, from a U.S. Coast Guard-approved testing facility, were released on Friday, according to a press release from the Steamship Authority. Alcohol tests from the night of the crash were also negative.

Both the captain and pilot had a combined 60 years experience. They remain on administrative leave.

The Coast Guard investigation is ongoing into what caused the crash, which injured 15. Two of the injured were airlifted by Coast Guard helicopter and 10 passengers also had to be hoisted to safety from the boat during the dramatic rescue of the 48 passengers, six crew members, and three food service workers.

Rough seas and heavy winds have been cited as a contributing factor in the crash.

With the Iyanough out of service, the Steamship Authority is running a modified schedule to Nantucket using the Sea Streak. Passengers are encouraged to make reservations at 508-495-3278 or visit steamshipauthority.com.