GEORGE TOWN: Twenty-one people have been injured after an oil tanker collided with the Teluk Bahang ferry.
Penang Port Commission (SPPP) chairman Datuk Yeoh Soon Hin said the incident occurred at 8.40pm on Tuesday (Sept 1) when the ferry with 140 passengers on board sailing from the island to the mainland, collided with the tanker sailing from Butterworth Deep Water Wharf (DADB) to Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal (SPCT).
He said the extent of damage was still being ascertained and ferry operations would continue as usual.
He also said all injured passengers were sent to hospital for further treatment.
"SPPP, together with Penang Port Sdn Bhd, will take all appropriate measures to ensure the necessary follow-up action is carried out concerning the passengers involved, while the safety and smooth operation of port operations are always guaranteed," he said at the terminal on Tuesday.
At Seberang Jaya Hospital, 23-year-old passenger Aimi said she was seated at the rear of the ferry when the collision occurred and could not see what happened.
"The impact threw me backwards and I injured my leg," she said.
Another passenger, 48-year-old Azizarah, said she was travelling with her 12-year-old son Kafa.
She said her son saw the vessel crossing in front of the ferry before the collision.
"Everything suddenly became chaotic.
"I was very frightened and worried that the ferry would sink," she said.
