The 28 meter long, 20 dwt ro-ro catamaran ferry St. Sealthiel allided with the pier in Cebu City, Philippines. The St. Sealthiel had departed from Tagbilaran City with 119 passengers bound for Cebu. As the ferry was maneuvering toward the dock, it suffered a failure with the steering system a few meters off the pier. The St. Sealthiel sustained some bow damage and 21 persons suffered minor injuries. No reports of pollution released.
The high speed ferry Ocean Jet 5 went aground in the Mactan Channel near Cordova, Philippines. The ferry had departed from Bohol with 197 passengers and 13 crew headed for Cebu City. When the Ocean Jet 5 approached the channel, another vessel came out forcing the ferry to run aground to avoid a collision. The ferry then contacted it’s sister ship Ocean Jet 6 which departed to rescue the passengers. However, the Ocean Jet 6 also went aground nearby at Shell Island. The ferry owners then dispatched tugs to the scene while sending a banca to transport the passengers to shore. The tug refloated the Ocean Jet 5 and shortly later the Ocean Jet 6. Both vessels were towed to Cebu City. No reports of injuries or pollution released. Both vessels will have divers conduct an underwater inspection. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.
