Four hurt as cargo ship hits fastcraft off Talisay

CEBU CITY—Four passengers were injured after a cargo ship collided with a fastcraft off Talisay City Thursday. FastCat M11 was sailing to Tubigon, Bohol, when it was hit in the stern by the M/V Ocean United of Oceanic Shipping Lines at 8:45 p.m., said Lt. Junior Grade (LTJG) Mike Encina, spokesperson of the Philippine Coast Guard in Central Visayas.

The fastcraft, which left Pier 3 at 8 a.m., was carrying 70 passengers and 12 rolling cargoes.

Despite a damaged aft section, the fasfcraft was still able to sail back to Cebu City. The cargo vessel was also directed to secure at anchorage area, said Encina.

Three of the four injured passengers were hospitalized: Daniel Fuentes, 38; Manuel Veloso Jr., 48; and Anacleto Dico Jr., 47.

Fuentes and Dico sustained wounds and bruises, while Fuentos had a fractured bone in the left arm.

Another passenger, Cary Angelo Bilga, 28, complained of back pains and was treated by a Coast Guard 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 an oil spill, he said.