Marine Department: Ferry involved in collision at Cheung Chau strayed off course

HONG Kong`s Marine Department says its initial investigation into last week`s collision of the high-speed catamaran, First Ferry IX, in the Cheung Chau Typhoon Shelter has revealed that the ferry strayed outside the navigational fairway into a mooring area.

Seventy-six people were injured after the 28.84 metres long ferry, carrying 140 passengers and four crew members, struck a mooring dolphin inside Cheung Chau Typhoon Shelter shortly after five o`clock in the morning.


The vessel sustained significant damage to its starboard bow.


The department`s investigation also showed a light beacon nearest to the mooring dolphin was lit and functioning properly in accordance with the nautical chart.


The department added that it would pay special attention to the speed of the vessel at the time of collision during further investigation of the incident.