Lamma ferry inquiry report blasts Marine Department
The government department responsible for shipping and vessel safety needs an urgent overhaul, investigation of collision concludes
"Serious systemic failings" in the Marine Department contributed to the Lamma ferry tragedy, the Commission of Inquiry into the disaster has found.
In its report, released yesterday, the commission pointed to a "litany of errors" at every stage of the design, construction and inspection of the Lamma IV, which contributed to the rapid sinking of the boat.
"What is required is systemic change, in particular a change in attitude to responsibility and transparency," the commission said of the department. "In [some] areas, what is required is action, and action now."
What is required is systemic change, in particular a change in attitude to responsibility and transparency
The commission, led by Mr Justice Michael Lunn, said it was "astonished and deeply dismayed" to learn that the department had not fully enforced a 2008 regulation stipulating that vessels should carry a number of lifejackets matching their capacity, as well as children's lifejackets equal to five per cent of capacity.
The key factors so many lives were lost were loosely attached seats on the upper deck of the Lamma IV that came off, throwing passengers towards the stern; passengers having trouble getting to and donning lifejackets; and no children's lifejackets.
The department has promised an internal investigation into whether any officer bears part of the responsibility for Hong Kong's deadliest sea tragedy in 40 years.
A total of 39 passengers died when the Hongkong Electric vessel Lamma IV, taking workers and their families to see the National Day fireworks in Victoria Harbour, collided with the ferry Sea Smooth off Lamma Island.
