GEORGE TOWN: Authorities will examine the navigation radar of the vessels involved in Tuesday night’s Penang ferry collision and interview those involved to establish the cause of the incident, said Penang Port Commission chairman Datuk Yeoh Soon Hin.
Describing the incident as a rare accident, Yeoh said further details would depend on an investigation by an inquiry committee to be established by the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA).
"The investigation would include examining the vessels’ navigation radar and obtaining statements from those involved.
“There is currently no deadline for the completion of the investigation report.
"Authorities have been urged to expedite the investigation to establish what really happened,” he told reporters on Wednesday (Sept 2).
The probe would also determine whether either vessel had entered the other’s route, as the Penang ferry operates along a fixed route between Penang Island and the mainland.
Yeoh said it was too early to determine whether either party had been negligent or whether other factors had contributed to the collision, adding that this would only become clearer once the investigation report was completed.
He also confirmed that all 21 people injured in the collision and sent to Seberang Jaya Hospital had been discharged.
"The injured included passengers inside the ferry as well as motorcycle riders.
“The last injured person has left the hospital and one required further observation or treatment," he said.
Yeoh also clarified that earlier reports stating six passengers had suffered serious injuries were inaccurate.
He added that the Port Commission had instructed its officers to collect the personal details of all 21 injured victims to facilitate further action on compensation claims.
The collision occurred at about 8.40pm on Tuesday when the Teluk Bahang ferry, travelling from Penang Island to Butterworth, collided with oil tanker MV Mekar Jaya.
MV Mekar Jaya was travelling from Butterworth Deep Water Wharf to Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal when the collision occurred.
The impact caused several motorcycles on the ferry to topple, with 21 of the about 140 people on board subsequently sent to Seberang Jaya Hospital for treatment.
The impact left a large dent at the front of the Teluk Bahang ferry, with passengers reporting that the vessel later had to turn around while berthing to allow them to disembark through the rear entrance.
