31 injured in ferry-barge collision in Cebu

Thirty-one people were injured when a ferry reportedly smashed into a barge, as it was about to cross the Tagbilaran Channel in Cebu last Saturday night, the Coast Guard said.

Those injured were brought to different hospitals to receive immediate medical treatment, the Coast Guard said.

Based on an initial report, it said the M/V Ocean Jet 3, owned by Ocean Fast Ferry Corp. based in Cebu City, accidentally hit the Valerie barge anchored in the vicinity of Beacon No. 3.

The ferry reportedly incurred a one-meter dent on its bow, while the barge sustained a one-meter dent on its starboard side.

The ferry, which was carrying 140 passengers, managed to reach Tagbilaran City in Bohol.

The Coast Guard advised the captains of both vessels to file their respective marine protests. – Evelyn Macairan