Collision between a ship and a ferry: 36 dead off Lamma island
The capsized ship was carrying 130 passengers to see the fireworks for China's National Day, 1st October. Ferry passengers unharmed or with minor injuries. Li Gang, Chinese representative of in Hong Kong, visits family members and injured in hospitals.

Hong Kong (AsiaNews) - The government this morning confirmed that so far there are 36 confirmed victims in the collision between a ship and a ferry off the island of Lamma. The incident took place yesterday evening at 20.30. A ship with at least 130 passengers - relatives and employees of the power company in Hong Kong - headed from Hong Kong to Lamma to watch the fireworks for October 1st China's National Day. Yesterday was also the traditional mid-Autumn festival.

A few minutes after leaving the dock in Lamma Island, the ship collided with a ferry, a passenger ship that services Lamma Island to Hong Kong and Kowloon. The ship began to sink with its 130 passengers. The ferry did not suffer major damage and was immediately removed from the site. Despite the dark, thanks to helicopters, the fire service and coastguard were able to rescue at least 100 people who were taken to five hospitals. Twenty-eight people were reported dead on the spot; eight others died in hospital. Several passengers on the ferry were injured.

The rescue continues today because it is possible that there may be bodies in the sea or within the capsized ship.

The wounded received the visit of the Chief Executive of Hong Kong Leung Chun-ying, who has promised to launch an investigation into the incident. In a highly unusual gesture Li Gang, the vice-representative of mainland China to Hong Kong (Liaison Office), went to a hospital to greet the wounded and to extend condolences to the families.

The sea area of ​​Hong Kong is one of the busiest in the world, but it is also one of the safest. The last recorded accident of such a magnitude dates back to 1971, when a ferry in service from Macau to Hong Kong sunk due to a typhoon, leaving 88 dead.