The Chappaquiddick elite are in a struggle with the captain of their ferry. They are losing.
By Mike Damiano Globe Staff,Updated May 8, 2026, 8:39 a.m.
Two ferry captains, Moss Xiques and Brock Callen, of Vineyard Haven, helped cargo vehicles traverse to Chappaquiddick Island aboard the On Time III ferry in Edgartown in April. Finn Gomez for The Boston Globe
EDGARTOWN — The homeowners of Chappaquiddick Island are used to getting their way. They have launched companies, sued governments, and invested the assets of generational fortunes. One, a private equity titan, spent an untold sum to lift up and move his mansion hundreds of feet from the edge of an eroding cliff.
But recently they have metan immovable force: Peter Wells, a Santa Claus–looking man who controlsaccess to their homes.
Wells is the longtime owner-operator of the Chappaquiddick Ferry — the sole means of getting to and from the island. And residents have long chafed at his control.
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Peter Sliwkowski arrived at the Chappy Ferry loading dock on his way home from the shop he owns, Larry’s Tackle Shop, in Edgartown. Sliwkowski makes the drive across the ferry each morning and night, sometimes multiple times a day. “This is about leadership, Sliwkowski said, “The town has always abdicated its responsibilities, and let the ferry driver do whatever he wants.” As it stands, the ferry charges $17 for a round trip.Finn Gomez for The Boston Globe
A passenger waits for a ride at The Chappy Ferry loading dock on Chappaquiddick Island.Finn Gomez for The Boston Globe
Peter Sliwkowski, who owns Larry’s Tackle Shop, says rumors are rife about Peter Wells's financial arrangement with the ferry service.Finn Gomez for The Boston Globe
Passengers prepared to disembark from a ferry on the way to Martha’s Vineyard. This is the first ferry non-residents of the Vineyard must take on the way to Chappaquiddick Island.Finn Gomez for The Boston Globe
A ferry captain, Moss Xiques, of Vineyard Haven pulled the control lever back as he prepared to dock the On Time III ferry.Finn Gomez for The Boston Globe
Another ferry captain, Brock Callen, of Vineyard Haven navigated the 527-foot gap between Chappaquiddick Island and Edgartown aboard the On Time III ferry.Finn Gomez for The Boston Globe
A vessel was viewed from a ferry on the way to Martha’s Vineyard.Finn Gomez for The Boston Globe
Moss Xiques looked to the distance as the On Time III ferry crossed to Chappaquiddick Island.Finn Gomez for The Boston Globe
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