When a Macau hydrofoil and Hong Kong ferry collided, capsizing the triple-decker ferry and injuring at least 21 people
- A Macau hydrofoil and a triple-decker ferry travelling from Cheung Chau to Hong Kong collided at night in 1977, leaving the ferry just below the surface
- The ferry’s speed and the hydrofoil’s radar watchkeeping were later found to have contributed to the collision, which injured at least 21 people, one seriously
“Marine Department officers last night began an investigation into the cause of a collision which yesterday capsized a Cheung Chau ferry,” reported the South China Morning Post on March 3, 1977.
“One of the more important points being looked into was an apparent lack of some safety measures and the inaccessibility of some rescue equipment. At least 21 people were injured in either the crash itself or later in the water. Three people, including one seriously injured, are still in hospital.
“Early this morning there was still confusion as to the number of casualties as some 20 people have not yet been accounted for. Most of them, however, are believed to be tourists and people living in Hongkong or Kowloon who went straight home after being rescued and failed to register with the police. These people are urged to register with the police as soon as possible.
“At 2am, the wreckage of the triple-decker ferry, Man Tack, was lying on its side just below the sea surface several hundred yards south of Hay Ling Chau. The wreck has been marked with a flashing green danger beacon. Police launches are standing by to keep away other craft.
“Survivors said the collision occurred with ‘shocking swiftness’ as the Man Tack, carrying about 180 passengers and 11 crew members, was heading back to Hongkong from Cheung Chau.”
On January 8, 1978, the Post reported that “the court said the Man Tack was travelling at seven to eight knots at the time of impact […] and it found the collision was caused, or contributed to, by the excessive speed of the Man Tack [and] the hydrofoil’s radar watchkeeping was criticised by the court as the deck officer admitted that he did not request the ship’s heading from the captain when keeping watch.”
