34 taken to hospital after ferry crashes into pier

More than 30 people reportedly suffered minor injuries and one was more seriously hurt on Friday when a ferry collided with a pier in Central. A vessel operated by Tsui Wah Ferry smashed into Central Pier No 9 as it was docking there at around 7am, officials said. The chartered ferry had earlier left Tsim Sha Tsui and was to take HK Electric workers to Lamma. Assistant Divisional Officer Hung Shing-yau from the Fire Services Department said the 34 injured passengers were taken to hospital for treatment, with one of them suffering rather serious injuries to the back and hand. Hung added that there were 118 passengers and two members of staff on board the vessel at the time, with the rescue operation completed in around 20 minutes. Senior Marine Officer Cory Keung said an investigation is underway. “After the inspection, the ship... is not seriously [damaged]. No water intake and no oil pollution was found,” he said. “The last inspection was conducted in March this year and all was in good condition.”