Opinion | Government must ensure full accountability for Lamma ferry crash
Albert Cheng questions why the boat captains have been charged with manslaughter before the report of the inquiry has been made public
Following the death of 39 people when two vessels collided off Lamma Island during the National Day fireworks display last October, the Leung Chun-ying administration immediately appointed a high-level independent commission to look into the cause of the accident. The collision was Hong Kong's worst maritime accident in more than 40 years.
The commission's hearing, which has just finished, disclosed many details about the collision.
Meanwhile, the captains of the two vessels have each been charged with manslaughter.
During the inquiry, questions were raised about the structure of the pleasure vessel and whether this contributed to the number of fatalities. This means the shipbuilding company should also be called to account. In addition, officials from the Marine Department, who inspected the boat and issued a seaworthiness certificate, should be held accountable.
A detailed report has been submitted to the government, but it has yet to be made public, yet Secretary for Justice Rimsky Yuen Kwok-keung has already overseen charges against the two captains, who each face 39 counts of manslaughter. His action is not only against normal practice, it is also baffling.
He seems to have ignored any alleged liability on the part of the shipbuilder and Marine Department for the accident. His conduct gives the impression that he is allowing trial by public opinion. This goes against the principles of procedural justice.