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 during the night, causing the ferry Fatshan to capsize off Lantao Island in Hong Kong. The disaster resulted in 88 casualties, with four survivors and four bodies recovered so far. The Governor of Hong Kong, Sir David Trench, expressed deep sympathy for the families affected by the tragedy.
It is believed the ferry carried between 70 to 80 passengers, though the exact number is unknown. The ferry had to take shelter at Ma Wan due to the typhoon signal No 1. Typhoon Rose was responsible for knocking the ferry over after colliding with other ships in the vicinity. One survivor, Tam Yau-sing, recounted the terrifying experience of the collisions and capsizing.
The survivors managed to reach shore, where they were rescued by a Royal Navy minehunter, H.M.S. Kirkliston. The search for more survivors concluded after thorough investigation, confirming no possibility of finding any more lives amidst the submerged vessel.
Written by urgent.news from South China Morning Post'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.
