Lynn ferry runs aground

LYNN – The 105 minutes the Lynn-Boston ferry spent stuck at low tide Wednesday is not enough to discourage water-borne commuters who applauded plans to extend the boat?s operation through September?s end.The ferry “ran aground in Lynn Harbor at 8:20 p.m.” about a quarter mile from its Lynn pier, according to a Coast Guard statement. Rising tide refloated Cetacea, allowing it to reach the pier by 9:40 p.m., or 90 minutes after its scheduled arrival time.The Coast Guard listed 13 passengers and four crew members aboard the ferry. Boston Harbor Cruises, which operates the service under contract to the MBTA, listed 10 passengers and a crew of four. Boston Cruise representatives obtained contact information from passengers in order to send them gift certificates.Amy Budrow of Swampscott counts the ferry as part of her regular commute and said Wednesday?s delay won?t keep her away from the boat with its early morning sea breezes and skyline views.?It?s very relaxing,” she said.The city Economic Development and Industrial Corporation announced in a statement Thursday that the ferry will continue operating through September instead of ending its commuting season on Sept. 12.?As of today we are proud to report that over 10,000 commuters have traveled on our ferry. People are talking about the ferry, because now they see the potential for a commuter ferry to provide fast and convenient access to Boston,” Economic Development Director James Cowdell stated.The half-hour trip costs $7 each way, and the ferry departs at 6:30 a.m., 8 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. from Lynn and 7:15 a.m., 5:45 p.m. and 7:15 p.m. from Boston?s Central Wharf.The ferry Nathaniel Bowditch handled Thursday morning?s runs from Lynn to Boston. Cetacea also experienced a mishap with passengers aboard on July 29 when it became entangled in underwater cables during a whale watch trip.In its statement, Boston Cruise said the captain commanding Cetacea during Wednesday?s grounding was not in command of the ferry during the whale watch trip.Although Coast Guard Petty Officer Ross Ruddell said no initial damage to the ferry was reported following the grounding, he said divers will inspect the vessel for damage. Boston Cruise spokeswoman Sheila Green said the company “…will work with and await the finding of the investigation of the Coast Guard to determine cause.”Budrow said the low tide caught her attention during ferry commutes earlier this week. Ken Walter of Nahant described himself as an experienced sailor and said the channel passage into Lynn Harbor is “tricky.”?But if you have charts, electronics and keep an eye on the buoys and markers, you can?t go wrong,” Walter said.State Sen. Thomas M. McGee, the ferry?s leading legislative advocate, said extending the ferry?s operating season by two weeks means riders will avoid the longer commutes that clog local roadways once summer vacations end and local schools reopen.?It just highlights how great a resource this is,” McGee said.