A ferryboat collided with what apparently was a marine animal (most probably a whale) off a Japanese island on Saturday, March 9, injuring at least 87 people.
The accident happened just after noon off Sado Island, according to Japan’s coast guard.
Five were seriously injured and a 6-inch (15-centimeter) crack was found at the stern of the ferry.
According to ferry operator Sado Steam Ship Co, the jetfoil ferry had still reached its intended destination on the island, situated off the west coast of the main island of Honshu, Japan.
The ferry, which departed from Niigata Port in Honshu, was carrying 121 passengers and 4 crew members.
The cause of the accident is currently under investigation by coast guard officials, who revealed the ferry might have struck a whale or some other sea animal.