Commuter Ferry Collides With Cargo Vessel In Manila Bay, 25 Injured, Passengers Thrown, Rescue Boats Rush In

Manila, Philippines— A commuter ferry collided with a cargo vessel in Manila Bay Monday, injuring 25 passengers and triggering a frantic rescue as water rushed into the lower deck and people scrambled for life jackets. The crash happened in daylight.

The collision occurred around 9:40 a.m. near the mouth of the Pasig River. The ferry, carrying about 180 passengers from Cavite to Manila, was crossing the shipping lane when a cargo vessel outbound to Batangas struck its starboard side. The impact tore a gash above the waterline and knocked passengers off benches.

Coast Guard officials said 25 people were injured, mostly with cuts, bruises and fractures from the jolt. No deaths were confirmed. A passenger said, "We felt a huge bump, then everyone fell. Children were crying. Crew shouted to put on life vests."

Rescue boats reached the ferry within 15 minutes. The ferry was towed to Pier 4 with a visible dent and broken windows. The cargo vessel suffered bow damage but remained afloat. Both captains are being questioned. Initial reports point to failure to yield in the busy channel.

Manila Bay is crowded and chaotic. Ferries, fishing bancas, tankers and container ships share narrow lanes. Radio discipline is poor. The Coast Guard said it had warned of congestion in that sector after near-misses last month. No extra patrols were added.

Passengers complained safety briefings were rushed and some life jackets were locked. The ferry operator said all jackets were available and crew acted quickly. Survivors said crew did help elderly passengers off first. One woman said she lost her bag and phone in the scramble.

The incident halted ferry services for the day. Commuters who depend on water transport were stranded. Traffic on Roxas Boulevard backed up as displaced passengers sought buses. The operator faces a possible suspension pending inspection.

Investigators will review AIS tracks, radio logs and CCTV from the ferry. The Maritime Industry Authority said it will check if both vessels had proper watch officers at the time. Weather was clear, so visibility was not a factor.

Tonight the damaged ferry sits at the pier with coast guard tape around it while injured passengers are treated in three Manila hospitals.