Typhoon Rose capsizes ferry in Hong Kong, killing 88 – SCMP archive
This article was first published on August 18, 1971. Ferry disaster: no hope for missing crew by T. S. Koo A large but undetermined number of the crew of the Hongkong-Macao ferry Fatshan, including her master and senior British officers, were feared drowned when she capsized off Lantao during the typhoon early yesterday (August 17, 1971). So far four survivors have been picked up, and four bodies…
On August 17, 1971, Typhoon Rose struck a Hongkong-Macao ferry called Fatshan off Lantao, capsizing the vessel and resulting in the tragic loss of 88 lives. Among those feared dead were the master and senior British officers on board. Four survivors were rescued, along with four bodies, before it was determined there were no more survivors.
The Governor of Hong Kong, Sir David Trench, offered his deepest sympathies to the families affected by the disaster. The search for survivors had been intense, but hope faded as the typhoon passed. The ferry had been involved in two collisions prior to capsizing, which are believed to have contributed to the disaster. The survivors recounted their harrowing experiences, including being thrown overboard by the impact of the collisions.
The Marine Department has appointed a surveyor to investigate the cause of the capsizing, and the Fatshan's operator, Shun Tak Shipping Co Ltd, stated that the ship had taken shelter to avoid further delays.
Written by urgent.news from South China Morning Post - Hong Kong's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
This story
This is one outlet's version. Read the fullest account.
