GEORGE TOWN: The investigation into the collision involving a Penang ferry and an oil tanker will centre on the vessels’ navigation radar, says Penang Port Commission chairman Datuk Yeoh Soon Hin.
He said an inquiry committee to be established by the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency would examine whether either vessel had strayed into the other’s route.
At 8.40pm on Tuesday, the Teluk Bahang ferry, travelling from the island to the mainland, collided with oil tanker MV Mekar Jaya, which was travelling from Butterworth Deep Water Wharf to Swettenham Pier Cruise Terminal.
He said the committee would interview those involved to establish the cause of the collision.
“The investigation would include examining the vessels’ navigation radar and obtaining statements from those involved,” he told reporters yesterday.
The collision left a large dent at the front of the Teluk Bahang ferry. Passengers said the ferry had to turn around while berthing, allowing them to disembark through the rear entrance.
The impact caused several motorcycles on the ferry to topple, with 21 of the 140 people on board subsequently sent to Hospital Seberang Jaya for treatment.
Yeoh said all of the victims have since been discharged.
He added that the Port Commission had instructed its officers to collect the personal details of all injured victims to facilitate further action on compensation claims.
