GLOUCESTER — Mayor Greg Verga and Harbormaster Thomas Ciarametaro report that the City’s Launch Service has been suspended due to a major mechanical issue with the Gloucesterman craft that is used to transport customers to their moorings.
The Launch Service is operated by the Harbormaster daily from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m, from Memorial Day to Columbus Day. The service transports individuals to moorings throughout Gloucester Harbor, and is typically in high demand throughout the summer.
On Tuesday, July 5, the engine on the 26-foot Duffy-style launch failed. Efforts to repair or replace it are underway. Harbormaster Ciarametaro estimates it could take weeks to get the 26-passenger craft back into service, with either a repaired or new engine.
Harbormaster Ciarametaro said individuals with dinghies will be able to use a dock at the Harbormaster’s office on a first-come, first-served basis as long as the launch is not operating.
Anyone with questions or concerns about the Launch Service should contact the Harbormaster’s office at 978-325-5750.
“Our Launch Service is used heavily throughout the summer months as boaters from Gloucester and around the coast use the service to access their moorings, and we are working as hard and as quickly as possible to bring the launch back into service,” said Harbormaster Ciarametaro. “We ask the public for their patience, and will update them as soon as possible.”