Fastcraft rams pier, 23 hurt

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines — At least 23 passengers of Ocean Jet 7 sustained minor injuries after the fastcraft slammed into the docking area of BREDCO Port in Bacolod City due to its malfunctioning throttle.

Lieutenant Commander Jimmy Oliver Vingno, Coast Guard-Bacolod chief, yesterday said the operation of Ocean Jet 7 has been temporarily cancelled, pending investigations and determination of the vessel seaworthiness.

Investigations of the Coast Guard-Bacolod showed that Sergio Alcibar, captain of the fastcraft, lost control of the vessel as it was about to dock at BREDCO Port after arriving from Iloilo.

Vingno said that when Alcibar tried to change gears for reverse, the throttle malfunctioned and, instead,  accelerated and hit the dry dock, causing minor injuries to its passengers.

Of the 40 passengers who complained dizziness, bruises and slight injuries, 23 of them were brought to the Pablo O. Torre Medical Center and Sanitarium Hospital for treatment.

Vingno said the management of Ocean Jet assured that the company will pay for the hospital bills of passengers.

It was the second time that Ocean Jet suffered a similar problem. Vingno recalled that in September last year, a similar incident involving Ocean Jet fastcraft occurred, also due to a malfunctioning throttle.

The Coast Guard, at this time, is also in the process of determination if there were lapses on the part of the ship captain.