The high-speed ferry Toppy suffered damage and was disabled off Cape Sata, Japan.  The ferry had left Kagoshima bound for Yakushima Island with 190 passengers and crew when it struck an object, possibly a whale, in the water.   The crew contacted the Japanese Coast Guard who dispatched a patrol vessel and helicopter to the scene.  Three injured crewmen were airlifted and taken to hospital.   Two passengers suffered minor injuries.  The patrol vessel has taken the Toppy under tow back to port.  Reports state the vessel lost power, but was at no time at risk of sinking.

More about the Toppy