The captain of an MBTA ferry that went ashore in Boston Harbor has been placed on leave, pending the outcome of an investigation by the US Coast Guard and the result of a drug test.
Officials say the captain was avoiding a collision with a fishing boat in foggy conditions on Friday morning near Long Island, causing four people to sustain minor injuries.
More than 80 passengers were on board the ferry, which was traveling from Boston to Hull when it hit some rocks.
The name of the captain has not been released. Boston Harbor Cruises said in a statement that it is standard procedure for a suspension during a Coast Guard investigation.
"The safety of our customers, our employees, and our vendors is our highest priority," said MBTA General Manager Steve Poftak. "We are offering our full support and cooperation to the United States Coast Guard, which is leading the investigation into the incident. We are also conducting an independent assessment of the damage to the vessel."
