Flags at half-mast and a three-minute silence observed by the government, schools, tourists. The toll of victims has risen to 38. At least 71 people have been discharged from hospitals. In jail, seven members of the two crews.

Hong Kong (AsiaNews) - Starting today the flags of the government offices of the territory are at half-mast for three days of mourning declared by the government in memory of the 38 victims of the disaster of the semi-sunken ship off the coast of Lamma Island.

At noon Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying and government representatives observed three minutes of silence. The silence was also observed in most of Hong Kong, in schools, government offices, churches and even the stock exchange.

Since the ceremony was broadcast on giant screens, especially at Causeway Bay, in one of the most crowded business centers, tourists and passers-by also paused in silence (see photo).

The collision took place on October 1, the feast of the People's Republic of China, which this year coincided with the traditional Mid-Autumn Festival.

A ship owned by Hong Kong Electrics collided with a ferry line. The ship, which was carrying employees and families on a trip to see the fireworks over the Hong Kong Harbour, partially sank. The victims are now 38, including five children. The ferry, after the collision and not having suffered serious damage, then left, leaving 130 people at sea and in need of help.

The police don't know what caused the conflict, given that the day was clear.

For now the two captains of the boats and five members of the two crews remain in custody.

After the incident, more than 90 people were transported to various hospitals, at least 71 were discharged and one is in critical condition.

The Lamma collision is the worst maritime accident in Hong Kong over the past 40 years.

 

 

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