CEBU CITY – At least 13 passengers were injured when a fast craft ferry collided with a cargo vessel at the Mactan Channel in Mandaue City on Sunday afternoon, May 21.
M/V Saint Jhudiel is damaged after it collided with a cargo vessel at the Mactan Channel in Cebu on Sunday afternoon, May 21. (Contributed photo by Nagiel Bañacia)
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) confirmed that fast craft M/V Saint Jhudiel, which came from Ormoc City, Leyte, collided with LCT Poseidon 23 while sailing for Pier 1 here.
The PCG said that based on the accounts of the crew of M/V Saint Jhudiel, the fast craft encountered steering and engine failure that caused it to collide with the cargo vessel within the vicinity of the first Cebu-Mactan bridge.
The fast craft was carrying 197 passengers during the collision.
The cargo vessel was loaded with 17 rolling cargoes and 20 passengers (drivers and cargo helpers) when the incident occurred.
“LCT Poseidon 23 proceeded back to its port of origin (Ouano Wharf, Mandaue City) to assess the damages it incurred due to the accident,” said PCG.
The fast craft was towed to Pier 1. At least 13 passengers were brought to a hospital after they sustained minor injuries.
The fast craft sustained significant damages on the bow and starboard side.
Photos circulating on social media showed that some seats of the fast craft were dislodged because of the impact.
In a statement, Supercat Ferry Corp. apologized to its passengers for the “harm and inconvenience” brought by the recent accident.
“The Supercat Management deeply apologizes for the harm and inconvenience caused by the recent accident involving MV Saint Jhudiel,” the company said.
The company said it will cooperate with government agencies for a thorough investigation.
“Additional safety measures and appropriate actions shall be undertaken to avoid recurrence of this unfortunate incident,” the company added.
The PCG has deployed the Coast Guard Marine Environmental Protection Force-Central Visayas to inspect possible oil spills.