HONG KONG - The death toll of collision between two passenger boats on Monday evening off Lamma island, southwest of Hong Kong island, rose to 37 as of 4:00 pm local time on Tuesday, Hong Kong Chief Executive CY Leung told reporters.
Twenty-eight people were certified dead at the scene while eight others were certified dead upon arrival at hospital. More than 100 people were sent to five hospitals during the incident; nine of them have sustained serious injuries or are in critical condition, the statement said.
The incident occurred at the seafront of the Lamma Island, the third largest island in Hong Kong, at about 8:23 pm Monday, when Hong Kong residents were on a public holiday celebrating the mid- autumn festival and China's National Day.
One vessel, which sank quickly after the collision, was carrying over 120 passengers and crew. It was rented by the Hong Kong Electric company for carrying its staff and their family members on an evening cruise to watch a massive fireworks display marking the National Day at the Victoria Harbor.
The other vessel, which was damaged but did not capsize, was a regular ferry operated by the Hong Kong and Kowloon Ferry company. It was also carrying dozens of passengers, local media reported.
The statement said that HKSAR Chief Executive CY Leung has ordered an investigation into the collision.
Leung convened an inter-departmental meeting with senior HKSAR government officials on the collision to discuss the follow-up actions, including rescue operation, relief and support services to the concerned family members, as well as investigation of the accident.
Leung will hold an inter-departmental press conference with relevant secretaries of departments and directors of bureaus this afternoon to update the latest development.
