Police are appealing for witnesses after 20 people were taken to hospital following a ferry crash at Dockyard on Saturday.

The accident occurred around 12.40 p.m. as the ferry Serenity attempted to dock, with around 47 passengers aboard. The boat slammed up against the dock, sending passengers flying.

Police said none of the injuries were life-threatening. Some victims suffered multiple injuries.

Paul O'Reilly, who works in Dockyard, told The Royal Gazette: "I did not witness the impact but I heard it.

"I've been working in Dockyard for seven years and I was in West End Yachts with a power tool and I heard an almighty bang. I heard this from the other side of Dockyard, about 500 yards away.

"I said 'what the hell was that?' and I heard some screaming. I came out, looked toward the other side and the noise was that of a big heavy sheet of steel hitting the ground.

"I couldn't see much happening so I went back to what I was doing and about ten to 15 minutes later the sirens of the emergency vehicles turned up. Obviously, something serious had happened, I realised."

The accident was witnessed by dozens of patrons at the nearby Bone Fish restaurant and bar.

Philip Johnson, who works at Bone Fish as a waiter, witnessed the aftermath of the impact, just 100 feet from him.

"I remember seeing the ferry approaching the dock and I thought nothing and continued to do my work. Seconds later, I heard this loud slam against the dock. I would describe it as very loud. "Minutes later I saw a Police boat arrive, followed by the Fire personnel and then the ambulance and Police cars. I even went on board the boat to see if I could help."When I went on board, it wan't a chaotic scene, it was actually very calm. I saw a majority of people who were passengers, attending to a handful of injured people, who were had been knocked or fallen down."I saw one lady and a big guy that looked seriously injured... lots of blood on them and in a lot of pain."Another person, who witnessed the aftermath but did not wish to be named remembered seeing at least two people being loaded into stretchers when the ambulances arrived.The restaurant staff assisted some of the injured as well as emergency personnel by handing out ice and water and by administering first aid to a few passengers with scrapes and cuts.A source close to the ferry investigation told The Royal Gazette that the accident, unfortunate as it was, had been predicted by some Marine and Port officials. It is understood that many of the injured passengers had been standing moments before the vessel failed to properly halt, scattering them about the boat on impact ¿ despite warning signs posted on the ferries asking passengers to remain seated until the boat comes to a full stop. The Royal Gazette spoke to at least four people that observed the vessel approach the dock with "dozens" of people standing, waiting to disembark.The Department of Marine and Ports, on Saturday, confirmed that there was a "mishap" with the Serenity, which Police say is being secured at the Marine and Ports dock until a full investigation can be conducted.Francis Richardson, Director of Marine and Ports, said Serenity "made hard contact with the Dockyard ferry berth upon its approach.""This is a most unfortunate accident," he added, "and we are hoping for the full and swift recovery of those who were injured."I want to thank those Marine and Ports workers who were on the scene to ensure immediate action. "We have a team of dedicated professionals looking into this regrettable situation and we are hopeful that the causes will be brought to light soon."Any witnesses to the incident should call the Marine Police at 299-4585.