49 injured in Japan ferry collision

KAGOSHIMA, Japan, April 9 (UPI) -- At least 49 people were injured Sunday when a high-speed ferry collided with what appeared to be a whale off the Japanese island of Kyushu.

Thirteen people were treated for serious injuries, the BBC reported.

A ferry company spokesman said ships in the area often collide with whales.

Seven of the most seriously injured passengers were taken to land by rescue boat, a coast guard official said. He said the other passengers remained on the ferry, which was not in danger of sinking.