87 people injured as ferry hits whale

Baku. 9 March. REPORT.AZ/ At least 87 people have been injured after a jetfoil ferry hit an object in the Sea of Japan. Five of the injured passengers are in serious condition, Report informs citing foreign media.

The ship was heading to Sado Island in Niigata Prefecture, central Japan, after leaving Niigata Port on Japan's main island. The vessel was carrying 121 passengers and four crew members.

Coast Guard officials say they found a 15-centimeter crack in the stern of the ship. They also confirmed that part of the hydrofoil wing is bent, suggesting that the vessel could have hit a whale.