A sunken ferry is lifted out of the water after a collision involving two vessels off the Lamma Island on the Southwest of the Hong Kong Island, Oct 2, 2012. [Photo/Xinhua]

Thirty-eight people including at least five children were killed after two vessels collided on Monday evening off the Lamma Island on the Southwest of the Hong Kong Island, and six crew from both vessels have been detained, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government said Tuesday evening.

As at 6 pm local time Tuesday, a total of 38 persons died in the vessel collision accident, 30 of whom were certified dead at scene while eight others were certified dead upon arrival of hospitals, the city government said in a statement.

A total of 101 people were sent to five hospitals after the collision, four of whom have sustained serious injuries or are in critical condition while 66 have been discharged.

Two vessels - "Sea Smooth" and Hong Kong Electric's "Lamma IV" - collided off Yung Shu Wan Pier of Lamma Island at around 8:20 pm local time on Monday, when the city's residents were celebrating the National Day of China.

Hong Kong Chief Executive CY Leung told reporters on Tuesday afternoon that his government would form a commission under the Commissions of Inquiry Ordinance to investigate the cause of Monday's fatal ferry crash, and recommend measures to prevent similar accidents in the future.

Leung said the commission will comprise independent experts. Its full composition and terms of reference will be announced later after discussion with the Executive Council.

Oct 4 a mourning day

Leung also declared Oct 4 as a day of condolence. He and other principal officials will observe three minutes of silence in mourning outside the Central Government Offices at noon that day.

HKSAR government services, except immigration and emergency services, will stop so staff can also observe three minutes of silence at their workplaces. Hong Kong regional Flags on all government buildings will be flown at half mast for three days from Oct 4, he said.

Consolatory areas will be set up in all 18 districts of Hong Kong for the city's residents to grieve over the dead.

Commissioner of Hong Kong Police Andy Tsang said the six people operating the two vessels have been arrested, and he did not rule out further arrests. The six individuals detained were under investigation for "endangering people's lives at sea". Police will cooperate with the Coroner's Court and submit a report, if a hearing is conducted, he added.

According to a statement of Hong Kong Electric, "Lamma IV", which carried 124 passengers and crew, had sunk quickly after the collision. The company used the ship to ship some of its staff and their family members for an evening cruise to watch a massive fireworks display at the Victoria Harbor.

"Sea Smooth", which was damaged but did not capsize, was a regular ferry operated by the Hong Kong and Kowloon Ferry Company. It also carried a number of passengers.

Hong Kong is one of the world's busiest ports, but fatal ship crash accidents have been rare in its history.

"This is definitely an isolated incident. The marine territory of Hong Kong is safe," said CY Leung told the press conference.

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