Collision alert not shown on radar before tragedy

The Marine Department's radar system did not show an alert before the collision between two vessels involved in the National Day tragedy two years ago that led to the deaths of 39 passengers, the High Court heard yesterday.

Yim Kit-ming, an engineer with the department, told the court that there was no warning because Hongkong Electric's Lamma IV and Hong Kong and Kowloon Ferry's Sea Smooth were not part of the department's vessel traffic centre (VTC).

In order to join the system, vessels have to meet certain requirements, the court heard. For example, the tonnage has to exceed certain levels. Most local vessels were not part of the VTC system, Yim said.

Yim is testifying against Lamma IV skipper Chow Chi-wai, 58, and Sea Smooth coxswain Lai Sai-ming, 56, who are facing multiple manslaughter charges.

During cross-examination by Chow's barrister James Turner QC, Yim said: "[Lamma IV] is not a VTC participating vessel. [Sea Smooth] is not a VTC participating vessel. So the two vessels do not meet the requirements of potential collision alerts."

The court heard that the department's radar system was functioning properly between 8pm and 10pm that night.

Yim said that the collision of the Lamma IV and Sea Smooth occurred within a six-second interval at 8.30pm. The department had retrieved the records of the two vessels' tracks between 36 seconds after 8.04pm and 29 seconds after 8.31pm for the trial, the court heard.