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Coast Guard responds after ferry loses power off Martha's Vineyard

More than 70 people are back on shore after a ferry broke down off the coast of Martha's Vineyard.

The Martha's Vineyard ferry - which goes from Woods Hole to the Vineyard - lost power to the main engines just after 8:30 p.m. Saturday.

According to the Steamship Authority, approximately 15 minutes into the 45 minute trip to Woods Hole, the ferry lost power. An emergency generator maintained power to the ferry, but was not able to generate propulsion. Officials say the anchor was dropped in order to keep the ferry from drifting.

The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Hammerhead and a response boat crew from the Woods Hole station responded while the tow was en route. The tugboat arrived around 10 p.m. and had to take the ferry to Vineyard Haven since the engine could not re-start. Hotel accomodations were made for passengers needing it until they were able to get to Woods Hole Sunday morning.

The Steamship Authority says there were about 72 passengers, 11 crew members and 3 food concession employees on board. No one was injured.

The cause of the power loss is under investigation.

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