CEBU CITY – Four passengers were injured after a cargo vessel collided with a fastcraft off Lauis Ledge in Talisay City, southern Cebu.
FastCat M11 was headed to Tubigon, Bohol when it was hit in the rear by M/V Ocean United of Oceanic Shipping Lines at 8:45 p.m. on Thursday, said Lieutenant Junior Grade (LTJG) Mike Encina, spokesperson of the Philippine Coast Guard-Central Visayas.
The fastcraft, which left Pier 3 at 8 a.m., was carrying 70 passengers and 12 rolling cargoes when the accident happened.
Though its aft section was damaged, the fasfcraft was still able to sail back to Cebu City pier after the accident. The cargo vessel was also directed to secure at anchorage area, said Encina.
Three of the four injured passengers of the fastcraft were rushed to the hospital. They were identified as Daniel Fuentes, 38; Manuel Veloso Jr., 48; and Anacleto Dico Jr., 47.
Fuentes and Dico sustained wounds and abrasions, while Fuentos suffered a fractured bone in the left arm.
Another passenger, Cary Angelo Bilga, 28, complained of back pains but was not taken to the hospital after getting treatment from the PCG-Central Visayas medical team.
An investigation will be made to determine what caused the collision, said Encina.
“Both ships will be subjected for investigation and safety inspection,” said Encina.
Personnel of Marine Environmental Protection Team and Coast Guard divers inspected the accident site but there were no signs of oil spill, added Encina. (Calvin D. Cordova)
