Scores Injured After High-Speed Ferry Hits Whale

About a hundred people were injured after their high-speed ferry apparently collided with a marine animal, believed to be a whale, in the Sea of Japan, off Sado Island. The incident left a 15-cm crack at the stern of the ferry. The ferry's hydrofoil wings were also damaged. A coast guard said thirteen people were seriously injured.

Sources say the crew members had advised the passengers to wear seat belts before departure and during the sail.

According to coast guard officials, the ferry is likely to have hit a whale as minkers and humpbacks are found in the area. There were 121 people onboard when the incident happened. Passengers told reporters that the sudden impact caught them off guard and people were moaning in pain. Despite the accident, the ferry reached its destination, located off the west coast of Honshu, Japan's main island.