Hong Kong, clash between two ferries
thirty-eight dead, dozens injured

HONG KONG – Tragedy off the coast of Hong Kong: a collision between two ferries caused at least 38 deaths. The Hong Kong Electric Company’s ship, controlled by billionaire Li Ka-Shing, was transporting more than 120 people between staff and family members to admire the fireworks at Victoria Harbor where China National Day was celebrated, when it was collided with another ferry and began to sink near the island of Lamma, south of Hong Kong.

Dozens of people jumped into the water in rough seas and the company ship sank in minutes, leaving only the bow protruding from the waves. “Ten minutes and the ship sank. We had to wait at least 20 minutes before they came to save us,” said a survivor, wrapped in a blanket but now on the shore.

Seven men from the two ferry crews were arrested. The seven are the object of investigation “for having endangered the lives of people at sea”. The disaster is the worst accident in recent years of the maritime history of the former British colony. Among the 38 victims, there are five children.

The authorities, meanwhile, have announced three days of mourning in Hong Kong, starting on October 4th, during which all official “unnecessary” activities will be suspended and the flags will be kept at half-mast.

(02 October 2012)