Ro-Pax and containership collide in Cebu, Philippines

Photo: Lieutenant (junior grade) Mike Encina, Philippine Coast Guard
Photo: Lieutenant (junior grade) Mike Encina, Philippine Coast Guard

Four people were injured after a Ro-Pax ferry and a containership collided in the waters off Talisay City in Cebu province in the Central Philippines on the night of Thursday, October 18.

FastCat M11 was on its way to Bohol province with 70 passengers and 12 vehicles on board when its stern was struck by the containership Ocean United at around 20:45 local time.

The impact tore off FastCat M11’s roof as well as some of the passenger seats, resulting in injuries.

FastCat M11 was still able to sail under its own power despite the damage. The vessel managed to return to Cebu City at around 21:30.

The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has directed the crew of Ocean United to moor the cargo ship at the Cebu Port’s anchorage area. Both vessels have been placed under PCG custody and will not be released until the completion of the safety inspection and the investigation as to the cause of the incident.

Three of the four injured passengers were later brought to hospital for treatment while the fourth was treated on-site as his injuries were only minor.

Archipelago Philippine Ferries Corporation (APFC), operator of FastCat M11, has announced that it will conduct its own investigation on the incident.


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