A bomb threat made on Martha’s Vineyard Hospital Thursday was deemed to be a hoax, police said.
Around 11 a.m., Oak Bluffs police received several calls claiming that there was a bomb at the hospital, Chief Jonathan Searle said.
The callers told police to bring $2,000 to the roof or else they would detonate the bomb.
Oak Bluffs police, Oak Bluffs firefighters and state police all responded to the hospital to ensure there were no explosive devices. A state police bomb squad also arrived at the hospital by helicopter, and the Dukes County Sheriff’s Office deployed a drone, according to Chief Searle.
After conducting a sweep of the hospital, the area was determined to be safe.
The threat did not seem credible from the start, and likely came from a foreign country, Chief Searle said. The dollar figure, dropoff location, bogus phone number and long delays in the phone conversation were all indicators.
“This call hit that profile,” Chief Searle said.
The hospital said the work of law enforcement brought a swift resolution to the hoax.
“At no time were staff or patients at risk nor was there any disruption to patient care,” the hospital said in a statement. “We extend our deepest appreciation to law enforcement, our own security staff, and all of our employees who worked to ensure the hospital remained open to care for those who need us.”
This article appears in July 3, 2026.