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The following is issued on behalf of the Commission of Inquiry into the Collision of Vessels near Lamma Island on 1 October 2012:
The Commission of Inquiry into the Collision of Vessels near Lamma Island on 1 October 2012 (the Commission) notes that today (April 30) the Government announced that it has published a redacted version of the Commission's report dated April 19, 2013.
In a press release the Government explained, "The Government understands the public concern over the result of the inquiry. However, as charges for manslaughter have been laid against the two coxswains involved in the incident, the Government has to safeguard the two coxswains' right to have a fair trial. After seeking legal advice, the Government has decided to redact those parts of the Report relating to issues concerning the responsibilities of the two coxswains."
The press release concluded, "The Government will release the full Report after all relevant criminal legal proceedings have been concluded."
At the invitation of the Government, the Commission has uploaded the redacted version of its report to its website (www.coi-lamma.gov.hk).
Ends/Tuesday, April 30, 2013
Issued at HKT 18:51
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