MV Selphiel hit the docking area of the Pier 1, Cebu City. (Contributed Photo)
AT least 21 were injured after a fast craft they rode in from Tagbilaran City, Bohol slammed into the docking area in Pier 1 Cebu City Tuesday morning.
Coast Guard commander Rodolfo Villajuan of the Philippine Coast Guard Cebu station said 18 passengers and seven crew were treated at the nearby Cebu Doctors Hospital or minor injuries.
“Okay naman sila nasa hospital na for treatment,” Villajuan said.
MV Sealthiel of 2GO Shipping carried 119 passengers and was about to dock when the captain allegedly experienced trouble in the steering system while on docking maneuver. The passengers were reportedly standing when the vessel hit the docking area at 8:30 am.
But one of the passengers said in a radio interview that she noticed that the vessel was moving faster than usual before it hit the docking area.
She said most of the passengers were holding on their seats. When the vessel hit the dock, some of them fell head on to the seats of the other passengers, resulting in minor injuries.
Among the injured passengers was Eva Cabrera of Commission on Audit of Cebu City who got a swollen mouth and injured forehead.
2GO assured to shoulder the medical expenses and treatment of affected passengers.
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