Seven crew arrested over Hong Kong boat collision
Hong Kong police have impounded seven crew over a fatal collision between a chartered vessel and a passenger ferry on Monday night that left at least 38 dead, Seatrade Asia online reports.
Four crew from one vessel and three from another were arrested on suspicions of endangering lives at sea, and more arrests may be made as investigation continues, according to the local police.
“From the investigation so far we suspect that the crew responsible for manning the two vessels had not exercised the care required of them by law to ensure the safety of the vessels as well as the people on board,” Tsang Wai-hung, head of police, was quoted saying.
The two vessels collided near Lamma Island off the southwest coast of Hong Kong Island.
Utilities firm Hong Kong Electric arranged an excursion for staff members by chartering a vessel Lamma IV to tour its power plant and watch fireworks. Lamma IV sank after it clashed with a small passenger ferry, which sustained damaged but was able to reach a nearby pier.
