First Ferry IX
The 27 meter long high speed ferry First Ferry IX struck a mooring pillar just as it was leaving one of Hong Kong outlying islands. The First Ferry IX pulled away from Cheung Chau Pier in the early morning was with 145 passengers when it hit a mooring pillar some 400 meters from the pier. The ferry’s bow was crushed leaving a large hole into the interior of the vessel. Nine passengers were severely injured and 70 others suffered cuts and bruises. The master of the ferry stated that it was too late to avoid the crash when the pillar was spotted. At the time of the incident the pillar was not lit. The ferry company has suspended the master and is conducting an investigation.
