Six crew detained after Hong Kong ship collision kills 38

HONG KONG - Thirty-eight people including at least five children were killed after two vessels collided on Monday evening off the Lamma Island on the Southwest of the Hong Kong Island, and six crew from both vessels have been detained, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government said Tuesday evening.

As at 6 pm local time Tuesday, a total of 38 persons died in the vessel collision accident, 30 of whom were certified dead at scene while eight others were certified dead upon arrival of hospitals, the city government said in a statement.

A total of 101 people were sent to five hospitals after the collision, four of whom have sustained serious injuries or are in critical condition while 66 have been discharged.

A sunken ferry is lifted out of the water after a collision involving two vessels off the Lamma Island on the Southwest of the Hong Kong Island, Oct 2, 2012. [Photo/Xinhua]

Two vessels - "Sea Smooth" and Hong Kong Electric's "Lamma IV" - collided off Yung Shu Wan Pier of Lamma Island at around 8:20 pm local time on Monday, when the city's residents were celebrating the National Day of China.

Hong Kong Chief Executive CY Leung told reporters on Tuesday afternoon that his government would form a commission under the Commissions of Inquiry Ordinance to investigate the cause of Monday's fatal ferry crash, and recommend measures to prevent similar accidents in the future.

Leung said the commission will comprise independent experts. Its full composition and terms of reference will be announced later after discussion with the Executive Council.

A survivor is taken onto shore by rescuers after a collision involving two vessels off the Lamma Island on the Southwest of the Hong Kong Island, Oct 1, 2012. [Photo/Xinhua]