Seven crew members involved in the Hong Kong ferry collision that killed 38 people were released on bail, police said on Wednesday.
They were arrested on suspicion of endangering lives at sea after Hong Kong’s worst maritime disaster in 40 years.
The suspects include the two captains of vessels, the Lamma IV and the Sea Smooth passenger ferry.
The accident happened on Monday evening when the Lamma IV carrying 120 people collided with the Sea Smooth passenger
ferry close to one of Hong Kong’s outlying islands.
The collision gouged a hole in the stern of the Lamma IV causing it to tip vertically and sink rapidly. Many of those aboard were
thrown into the sea while others were trapped inside.
The dead included five children; just as four more people are still in critical condition, including a seven year old boy and nine year
old girl. On Wednesday, the British consulate in Hong Kong confirmed that one of its citizens was among the dead but declined to give details.
The Lamma IV owned by Hong Kong Electric was taking employees and their families to watch a firework display over Victoria Harbour to celebrate China’s National Day.
The owner of the second vessel, the Hong Kong and Kowloon Ferry Holdings, defended its captain’s decision to leave the sinking Lamma IV and return to port where passengers were treated for minor injuries.
Speaking at a news conference on Wednesday, general manager Nelson Ng Siu-yuen wept as he revealed one of his relatives lost
two children in the tragedy.
He said the captain of the Sea Smooth was being treated for rib injuries in a hospital and receiving psychological counselling for depression.
Hong Kong has declared three days of official mourning over the incident. (dpa/NAN)