Jet cruiser crash injuries rise to 70 in Macao

Rescuers transfer an injured passenger at a ferry terminal in Macao, China, June 13, 2014. [Photo/Xinhua]

MACAO - Injuries of the jet-foils crash rose to 70 on Friday in Macao, according to statistics released by the region's health authorities.

Officials said the ferry, operated by Hong Kong-based Shun Tak Holdings Limited, hit the southern embankment near Macao's Outer Habor terminal at around 9:30 am local time.

Officials with Macao's governmental agencies and Shun Tak told a press conference in Macao on Friday afternoon that the ferry carried around 220 passengers and 13 crew members.

A press release issued by Macao's Health Bureau said the 45 male and 25 female injuries aged between 17 to 69, among whom are four Macao residents, 59 Hong Kong residents, four South Korean nationals, one Japanese national and two Thai nationals.

Those injured included nine crew members, said the press release.

The health authority said the 70 all sustained minor injuries and were all sent to hospital for treatment.

The Health Bureau said it will follow up the situation and inform the public on time.

Macao, China's special administrative region at the southern tip of the mainland, has seen a number of ferry accidents over the past years.