Ferry in fatal collision off Lamma Island sank within minutes of sending call for help

The skipper of a rescue boat told a commission of inquiry that one of two ferries that collided near Lamma Island on October 1 sank “one or two minutes” after he received a call for help from the stricken vessel.

Thirty-nine people died when the Lamma IV and the Sea Smooth collided.

On Monday, Cheng Muk-hee, 54, told the inquiry that his boat, the Lamma II was nearby when the Lamma IV sent a distress message.

He said the lights of the Lamma IV went off when he first looked at the boat. He said the vessel started sinking after one or two minutes.

The Lamma II had set off from Hongkong Electric’s Lamma power plant pier to take a group to see a fireworks display in Victoria Harbour.

The commission of inquiry was appointed by the chief executive to look into the cause of the incident, evaluate maritime safety conditions and make recommendations for improvements.