Hull of Lamma IV found to be weaker in last inspection

The Marine Department found the hull plates of the sunken Lamma IV to be thinner than the design standard during an inspection in 2005 but the difference was regarded as being within an acceptable range, the inquiry into the October 1 ferry tragedy heard on Friday.

Department ship inspector Louk Hon-ying said he found the most of the places on the hull that he checked were 4.5mm instead of 5mm as in the approved drawings.

“It is acceptable if the error is within 10pc, according to our department standard,” he said. “I would consult my senior if there was any doubt.”

An marine architect who checked the wreckage after the Lamma IV sank with the loss of 39 lives told the commission of inquiry earlier that the thinner plating might have contributed to the amount of damage caused in the collision between the boat and ferry Sea Smooth.

On Friday Louk said the inspections known as hull gauging were not required until eight years after the Lamma IV was built 1995.

The hearing continues.