Coast Guard skipper in ferry crash stays on job

BOSTON—The commanding officer of a Coast Guard cutter involved in a collision with a Block Island ferry two months ago will not be taken off the job.

No serious injuries were reported in the July 2 crash, which occurred when a ferry carrying more than 250 passengers and a cutter named Morro Bay hit each other in dense fog.

Admiral Dale Gabel, commander of the First Coast Guard District based in Boston, announced Friday that Lt. Douglas Wyatt will remain in command of the cutter. Gabel says he’s confident in Wyatt’s ability.

The ferry was on a run to Block Island and the cutter was returning to its homeport in New London, Conn., after a ceremony in Newport to welcome Wyatt as the new commander.

The National Transportation Safety Board has been investigating.