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The initial findings of an investigation by the Marine Department into an incident inside the Cheung Chau Typhoon Shelter this morning (October 21) involving the high-speed catamaran First Ferry IX have revealed that the ferry strayed outside the navigational fairway into a mooring area.
Initial reports received showed that the First Ferry IX, which has a length of 28.84 metres, was carrying 140 passengers and four crew members and departed from Cheung Chau for Central at 5.10am.
The vessel struck a mooring dolphin inside Cheung Chau Typhoon Shelter at 5.15am, causing significant casualties onboard.
In the incident, 76 people were injured and sent to Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Queen Mary Hospital, Ruttonjee & Tang Shiu Kin Hospitals and St John Hospital, comprising 49 males and 27 females, aged from 19 to 82.
The ferry sustained significant damage to its starboard bow.
The Marine Department investigation showed that a light beacon nearest to the mooring dolphin was lit and functioning properly in accordance with the nautical chart.
The investigation into the incident will pay special attention to the speed of the First Ferry IX at the time of the collision.
Ends/Friday, October 21, 2011
Issued at HKT 18:24
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