Terms of Reference

The Commission of Inquiry into the Collision of Vessels near Lamma Island on 1 October 2012 was appointed by the Chief Executive in Council under section 2 of the Commissions of Inquiry Ordinance (Cap. 86) and its terms of reference are as follows:

Inquire into the facts and circumstances leading to and surrounding the collision of the two vessels that took place near Lamma Island, Hong Kong on 1 October 2012:

1. ascertain the causes of the incident and make appropriate findings thereof;
2. consider and evaluate the general conditions of maritime safety concerning passenger vessels in Hong Kong and the adequacy or otherwise of the present system of control; and
3. make recommendations on measures, if any, required for the prevention of the recurrence of similar incidents in future.

The Commission of Inquiry submitted its report to the Chief Executive on 19 April 2013.

The Government announced on 30 April 2013 that it has decided to redact those parts of the report relating to issues concerning the responsibilities of the two coxswains involved in the incident, because charges for manslaughter have been laid against the two coxswains and the Government has to safeguard the two coxswains' right to have a fair trial. The Government has also indicated that it will release the full report after all relevant criminal proceedings have been concluded.

Please click here to see the redacted report.

The Commission Secretariat ceased to operate on 3 May 2013.