At least 8 dead in Hong Kong ferry collision

Tyrone Siu / Reuters

Rescuers search for survivors in a partially-submerged boat after two vessels collided in Hong Kong waters on Monday.

By NBC News and news services

At least eight people were reported dead and as many as 20 remained missing after a Hong Kong ferry carrying more than 120 people was hit by another vessel late Monday.?

Police in the Chinese territory said 101 people had been rescued in waters off the Lamma island village of Yung Shue Wan, according to the South China Morning Post.

Hong Kong's Hospital Authority said there were eight deaths as of midnight Monday (12 p.m. ET), and at least 53 people sent to area hospitals, the Wall Street Journal reported.

Divers continued searching for survivors in the waters around the half-submerged ferry, which was carrying staff from Hong Kong Electric utility company and family members when it was hit.


The vessel rented by the utility company was headed to Hong Kong's?Victoria Harbor to view the fireworks display to celebrate China's National Day and mid-autumn festival.

?

The government initially said a ferry collided with a tugboat.

However, local news reports said the vessel was hit by a larger boat operated by the Hong Kong and Kowloon Ferry company on a regularly scheduled service.

"The rear of the ferry started to sink," a survivor told the Post. "I suddenly found myself deep under the sea. I swam hard and tried to grab a life buoy. I don?t know where my two kids are."

Lamma Island is the third largest island in the former British colony, located about 2 miles south of the main island of Hong Kong.

Historically, the island was home to many fishermen, but has developed into a tourist destination and a popular bedroom community for expatriate professionals.?

Hong Kong's top official was on hand to help oversee the emergency operation, the Post reported.

Richard A. Brooks / AFP - Getty Images

A victim is carried ashore by rescue personnel after a ferry carrying about 120 people collided with another commercial vessel off Hong Kong late Monday.

"Relevant government departments are making all-out efforts to rescue people who fell into the sea after the collision. Senior officials and I will closely monitor the situation. We will do whatever we can for remedial actions,??said Hong Kong Chief?Executive Leung Chun-ying.

Hong Kong is one of the world's busiest shipping channels, although serious accidents are rare.

NBC News' Kari Huus and Reuters and The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Source: http://worldnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2012/10/01/14170207-at-least-8-dead-in-hong-kong-ferry-collision?lite

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