British youngster among 38 dead in Hong Kong sea disaster

The youngster was among 38 people killed when the pleasure cruiser Lamma IV collided with a passenger ferry on Monday night. The cruiser, which was carrying partygoers to a fireworks show to celebrate China’s national day, sank shortly after the crash while the ferry was able to limp to shore. More than 100 people were taken to hospital after some were thrown into the water from the party boat. The Foreign Office has confirmed that a British national was among the victims.

Seven crew members from the two vessels have been arrested on suspicion of endangering passengers by operating the craft unsafely. Hong Kong authorities said five children died in the crash.

The majority of the 120 passengers were employees of Hong Kong Electric and their friends and family. The crash was Hong Kong’s deadliest accident in more than 15 years and its worst maritime accident in more than 40.

The company that owns the Sea Smooth, the ferry involved, has said the vessel passed an inspection just last month.