Hong Kong ferry collision: 6 crew members held after 37 dead

Zeenews Bureau

Hong Kong: At least 37 people lost their lives when a ferry collided with a pleasure boat in what was one of the city`s worst maritime disasters in decades on Monday night, according to BBC reports. The Hong Kong Electric Company`s vessel was carrying more than 120 passengers and crew. After an inquiry was ordered by the Hong Kong`s chief executive into the incident, six crew members were arrested on Tuesday, officials said. The passengers of the boat had gathered to watch a huge National Day fireworks display in Victoria Harbour Monday evening when the collision occurred near Lamma island. BBC quoted a Hong Kong government statement as saying: "Over 100 people were sent to five hospitals during the incident; nine of them have sustained serious injuries or are in critical condition." Television channels showed the boat half submerged with the bow pointing straight up. Lamma is the third-biggest island in Hong Kong and near one of the city`s busiest shipping lanes. Meanwhile, the Beijing-backed chief executive, whose new government has been rocked by scandals and protests against unpopular policies, declared three days of mourning starting Thursday.