Crowded boat prompts worries
City investigating after sardined pics surface online
City inspectors are planning a site visit after photos of a crowded party boat setting sail from Boston Harbor on Saturday night circulated on social media, causing concern that the company was not following social distancing and maskwearing orders amid the coronavirus pandemic.
A photo of a Bay State Cruise Company vessel called the Provincetown II showed passengers tightly packed on the boat’s upper deck with few wearing masks as it prepared to set sail from Pier 4 for a 7-9:30 p.m. cruise. The photo taken by former State Rep. Marty Walz has been shared hundreds of times on Twitter.
In a statement to the Herald on Sunday, Mayor Martin Walsh said “it is very concerning to see crowds of people gathering in large groups, putting themselves, everyone around them, and every person they come into contact with at risk.”
“We know all too well the serious health consequences of the coronavirus,” Walsh said. “It is incumbent upon every person and every business to take this seriously, and follow the public health guidance that has been issued for everyone’s safety.”
The city does not have regulatory powers over the company, but inspectors from the Public Health Commission will visit the site today to investigate the issue and is speaking with the company “in the interest of public health,” according to the mayor’s office.
Julie Pagano of Bay State Cruise Company said in a statement the vessel capped capacity at 33% — fewer passengers than what she said the company is currently permitted under state guidelines.
The Provincetown II has enough space on its three decks to allow up to 44% capacity and stay in line with social distancing guidelines, Pagano said.
“In addition to providing ample space for social distancing, we are an outdoor venue with the benefit of a constant breeze across the decks as we sail at nine knots,” Pagano said in an email to the Herald.
Current guidelines limit capacity to 100 people on the boat’s semienclosed middle deck, but Pagano said the vessel’s upper deck — being unenclosed — has no capacity limit. Gov. Charlie Baker has ordered people to wear masks when social distancing of 6 feet is not possible, but the state has limited powers to enforce the mandate.
A statement on the company’s website emphasizes social distancing and mask-wearing. Signs throughout the boarding area also remind passengers to socially distance themselves and to wear masks, Pagano said.