On Friday early morning, 23rd December, a local passenger ferry of ‘New World First Ferry’ crashed onto a mooring pillar and it caused more than 70 passengers injury.
There were 145 passengers in the ferry and nine people were seriously injured. These serious wounded people were taken to hospital by helicopter. Among them three were elderly persons and they were sent to the ICU unit of the hospital.
The ferry was going to Hong Kong main land from Cheung Chau pier bound. At 5:15 a.m. when the accident happened, most of the passengers were sleeping. After the accident there were chaos inside the ferry and many people were bleeding.
The ferry was 29 meter long and its right side bow got a big hole for the collision. But the water didn’t enter into the ferry.
Though the captain of the ferry was 10 years experienced person, he couldn’t avoid the accident. He explained that the accident occurred when he was trying to avoid the floating navigation light. At the last moment when he noticed the pillar, it was inevitable.
The ferry company authority has said that they would investigate the cause of the accident. They have temporary suspended the captain from his duty.
The Marine Department of Hong Kong has release a short statement regarding this accident.
Visit these links to read more: http://gcaptain.com/injured-hong-kong-ferry-allision/?33019
http://english.cntv.cn/20111021/109957.shtml
http://www.asiaone.com/News/Latest%2BNews/Asia/Story/A1Story20111022-306422.html