HK boat collision injures 97 people

　　HONG KONG: A high-speed ferry collided with a freighter from the Chinese mainland off southwest Tsing Yi yesterday morning, injuring 97 people aged 12 to 73.

　　The catamaran, heading for Nansha in neighbouring Guangdong Province with 156 passengers and nine crew, hit the vessel in poor visibility about 8:00 am, shortly after departing the Hong Kong China Ferry Terminal in Tsim Sha Tsui.

　　Some 55 men and 42 women were sent to Queen Elizabeth, Kwong Wa, Caritas, Yan Chai, Princess Margaret and United Christian hospitals. Of them, four were admitted in serious condition.

　　Hong Kong Marine Department Acting Director Roger Tupper announced his department would do its utmost to find out the cause of the accident and prevent similar incidents from recurring.

　　Tupper added that should the situation warrant, a separate investigation would aim to find the culprits, who face a maximum penalty of two years imprisonment. He added that Hong Kong's harbour was safe.