Commission to investigate HK vessel collision

A Commission of Inquiry was formally appointed on Monday by the chief executive of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government to inquire into the facts and circumstances leading to and surrounding the collision of the two vessels that took place near Lamma Island on Oct. 1, according to the city's government news website.

The Honorable Justice Michael Victor Lunn, justice of Appeal of the Court of Appeal of the High Court, has been appointed as chairman and commissioner, and Benjamin Tang Kwok-bun has been appointed as commissioner.

Lunn was appointed as a Judge of the Court of First Instance of the High Court in September, 2003 and Justice of Appeal of the Court of Appeal of the High Court in December, 2011. He also served as the chairman of the Market Misconduct Tribunal from August, 2005 to September, 2012.

Tang served in various bureau and departments during his career in the civil service. He was the Commissioner of Insurance from January, 2000 to November, 2003 before he was appointed as Director of Audit from December, 2003 to June, 2012.

The Terms of Reference of the Commission includes ascertaining the causes of the incident and making appropriate findings thereof, considering and evaluating the general conditions of maritime safety concerning passenger vessels in Hong Kong and the adequacy or otherwise of the present system of control.

It also includes making recommendations on measures, if any, required for the prevention of the recurrence of similar incidents in future.

The Commission will start operation as soon as practicable. It is expected to report to the chief executive within six months from the date of appointment or such time as the chief executive in Council may allow.

Laurie Lo Chi-hong, the Administrative Officer Staff Grade B, has been appointed as secretary to the Commission.