Death toll in Hong Kong ferry accident rises to 39; rescuers suspend search
HONG KONG – Hong Kong authorities say the death toll from the city’s biggest maritime tragedy in decades has risen to 39.
The government says another person has died following a collision between a commuter ferry and a boat carrying people to see a holiday fireworks display Monday evening. All 39 people who died were on the boat headed to the fireworks display.
The disaster just off Hong Kong’s third-biggest island also left nearly 100 people injured. Police have arrested seven crew members from the two boats, including both captains.
The government also said late Friday that rescuers were calling off their search for any further missing people after accounting for everyone aboard both vessels.
The tragedy has shocked Hong Kong, where fleets of ferries form the backbone of the city’s transportation network.
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