A Lantau-bound Sun Ferry capsized near Hei Ling Chau in the early hours of Monday, prompting an evacuation of passengers and crew.
A spokesperson for the Fire Service Department (FSD) told HKFP on Monday that 34 people were on board, including 29 passengers and five crew members. No injuries were reported.
The incident happened at around 12.55am on Monday when the First Ferry VI, sailing on the Central Line in Mui Wo, collided with the shelter of Typhoon Hei Ling Chau.
A total of four FSD boats, two ambulances and 60 firefighters and paramedics were deployed, the spokesman said by telephone.
A passenger who gave his name as Adam told HKFP that “suddenly, the ship crashed violently into something”.
He added, “The sound during the crash (was) terrifying and the deceleration was so sudden and aggressive that it threw me out of my seat.”
He said there was a momentary panic among the passengers, but things quickly calmed down after the crew came to check on them.
See also: Mui Wo ferry caught in fishing net, stranded at sea for an hour
The passengers donned life jackets and were transported by lifeboat to Mui Wo, he said.
It is unclear whether the ferry’s captain is under investigation or has been suspended. HKFP has contacted Sun Ferry for comment.
