[Updated] Philippines Collision Leaves Four in Critical Condition

Four people were critically injured on Saturday night when a ferry collided with a barge in the Philippines.

Over 45 others others sustained injuries when the fast ferry MV St. Braquiel, which was heading towards port in Cebu City, hit a 1,300-gross ton, 80 meter (260 foot) barge being towed by a tug.

Initially the Philippine Coast Guard was reported as saying that the ferry had suffered engine trouble and was being towed when it collided with the barge. However, that does not seem to be the case, and they are now investigating whether the ferry was exceeding the five knot speed limit set for the Mactan Channel where the incident occurred.

There is also claims that the barge did not have lights on.

The 292-ton ferry had 90 passengers on board at the time of the incident, about a third of its carrying capacity of 247 passengers.

The MV St. Braquiel is operated by SuperCat Fast Ferry Corp. of 2Go Shipping and the barge SMC Barge No. 8, which was carrying beer bottles, is operated by San Miguel Corp.

Earlier this month, 44 passengers on board fastcraft OceanJet 12 were injured Calapan City when water entered the ferry after a metal ladder broke a window. 11 were taken to hospital.