Charter yacht returns to service after drifting through moored boats

BOSTON — The charter yacht that crashed into several moored boats Thursday afternoon has been cleared to return to service, according to the Coast Guard.

The Coast Guard inspected the Odyssey and conducted several trial runs before determining it safe to return to the water with passengers.

A Newton eighth grade class was on board the ship in Boston Harbor when the collision took place on Thursday.

According to Odyssey Boston, the boat "experienced a brief loss of throttle control as she departed from her dock."

The captain tried to minimize the drift into the mooring field, the company said in a statement, but the vessel "made minor contact with boats at anchor."

Newton school officials said none of the children were hurt and sent a letter home to parents. There were no other injuries reported.

The Odyssey regained propulsion after the incident and was able to return to the dock.

Full statement from Odyssey Boston:

June 21, 2018: At around 1105 today, Odyssey experienced a brief loss of throttle control as she departed from her dock. The Captain took immediate action to minimize the drift backwards into the mooring field, where the vessel unfortunately made minor contact with boats at anchor. There were no reported injuries or significant damage, and all 328 guests remained on board and completed their event dockside. 
 
In accordance with our stringent protocols and Federal regulations, the United States Coast Guard was immediately notified, and we are working with them to resolve the issue. Our marine crew have identified the cause of the malfunction and are making the necessary repair to ready the ship for its return to service. We expect to be sailing again shortly. While these types of incidents are rare, we are fully prepared and equipped to handle them. As a company, we take the safety of our guests and crew very seriously, and operate our vessels to the highest marine safety standards. The company has an exemplary record, and has served millions of guests in over 30 years cruising Boston Harbor. 

The following message was sent to parents of the Newton eighth graders:

I just learned from Mr. Harding, our 8th grade assistant principal on the cruise with the 8th grade today, that their boat hit some sailboats while leaving the dock. Everyone is okay and there were no injuries. The students were relocated safely to the lower deck. The boat is being towed back to dock, and the students and faculty will continue their event with lunch and music until 1:00 p.m. at which time they will return to school for dismissal as planned.

Please call the school if you have any questions.

Best,
Jackie Mann
jacqueline_mann@newton.k12.ma.us
Lisa Mazzola
Administrative Assistant

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