***********************************************************
A Commission of Inquiry was formally appointed by the Chief Executive in Council today (October 22) to 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 October 1, 2012.
The Honourable Mr Justice Michael Victor Lunn, Justice of Appeal of the Court of Appeal of the High Court, has been appointed as Chairman and Commissioner, and Mr Benjamin Tang Kwok-bun has been appointed as Commissioner.
The Chief Executive, Mr C Y Leung, said, "In view of the substantial casualties and public interest involved in the incident, a statutory commission is necessary to ascertain the cause of the incident and evaluate maritime safety concerning passenger vessels in Hong Kong.
"Both Mr Justice Lunn and Mr Tang are appointed for their public standing and distinguished records of public service. I look forward to receiving their findings and recommendations on measures required for the prevention of the recurrence of similar incidents in future."
Mr Justice 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.
Mr Tang served in various bureaux 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 are:
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 October 1, 2012:
(a) ascertain the causes of the incident and make appropriate findings thereof;
(b) 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
(c) make 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.
The Commission of Inquiry is appointed under the Commissions of Inquiry Ordinance (Cap. 86). The appointment of the Commission will be published in the Gazette.
Mr Laurie Lo Chi-hong, Administrative Officer Staff Grade B, has been appointed as Secretary to the Commission.
Ends/Monday, October 22, 2012
Issued at HKT 16:02
NNNN
