Steamship Authority hosts multiagency emergency response exercise in Oak Bluffs

OAK BLUFFS (April 8, 2026) – The Woods Hole, Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket Steamship Authority, in cooperation with local, state, and federal agencies, hosted a maritime security exercise today at the Oak Bluffs Terminal.

The exercise included a simulated vehicle explosion on the terminal pier, a law enforcement response, and medical and search-and-rescue operations. Today’s in-person simulation will be followed by a tabletop exercise and post-event review on Thursday. Planning for the event started in late 2025.

“We were proud hosts of today’s event, which was a great example of multiple agencies working together to do some vitally important training and preparation work,” said Steamship Authority General Manager Alex Kryska. “While we hope to never put these plans into action, the public should feel reassured by witnessing the lengths to which the SSA and our partner agencies go to keep our communities safe.”

Participating federal agencies included the U.S. Coast Guard, the U.S. Department of Transportation, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and U.S. Health and Human Services.

Participating state agencies included the Massachusetts State Police, Massachusetts Environmental Police, and the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency.

Participating county and local agencies and industries included the Oak Bluffs Police Department, Oak Bluffs Fire Department, the Tisbury Police Department, the Dukes County Sheriff’s Department, Martha’s Vineyard Hospital/Mass General Brigham, the Edgartown Police Department, the Edgartown Harbormaster, and the West Tisbury Emergency Management Agency.

Since 1960, the Woods Hole, Martha’s Vineyard and Nantucket Steamship Authority has served as the transportation lifeline to the islands of Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard year round. The Steamship Authority is the largest ferry service to the Islands and offers the most frequent daily departures for passengers, automobiles, groups, and trucks. In 2025, more than 2.9 million passengers and more than 674,000 vehicles of all sizes were transported to and from the Islands. Our U.S. Coast Guard-certified crews are committed to the highest level of safety at sea while our vessels offer comfort and convenience with spacious seating, free Wi-Fi and TV on board.

See photos from the exercise at https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCQkmn. 

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