Families of victims in Hong Kong ferry disaster ‘still waiting for justice’ eight years later
- Government has yet to fulfil promise to release full internal report into the collision, they say
- With police investigation ongoing, relatives cannot obtain death certificates for their deceased loved ones
Families of some of the 39 people killed in a ferry collision on National Day eight years ago in Hong Kong have accused the government of denying them justice and police of dragging their heels over an investigation into the disaster.
With an inquiry by the force ongoing, inquest proceedings cannot begin or death certificates issued.
In an open letter released on Wednesday, the relatives of 17 victims said the government had yet to fulfil its promise to release a full internal report into the crash, which would cover possible mismanagement and negligence on the part of Marine Department officers.
“The ferry disaster has not only destroyed 39 families, it has also left an indelible scar on the hearts of the survivors and cast a shadow over their memories for the rest of their lives,” the letter said.
Eight children and 31 adults perished after the HK Electric Lamma IV ferry, which was taking 124 passengers to view a National Day fireworks display, collided with the Hong Kong and Kowloon Ferry’s Sea Smooth off Lamma Island on October 1, 2012. A total of 92 passengers on both boats were also injured. It was the city’s worst maritime disaster in 40 years.
Sea Smooth captain Lai Sai-ming was jailed for eight years after being convicted of 39 counts of manslaughter and endangering the safety of others at sea. Chow Chi-wai, who was at the helm of the Lamma IV, was cleared of manslaughter but jailed for nine months for endangering safety at sea.
