Ferry passengers stranded over an hour after vessel hits typhoon shelter barrier

A ferry bound for Mui Wo struck a typhoon shelter barrier near Hei Ling Chau in Hong Kong shortly after midnight, leaving passengers stranded on board for over an hour. The incident occurred around 12:55 a.m. when the First Ferry VI vessel, carrying a small group of passengers returning home after Mother’s Day celebrations, collided with the barrier. All passengers were safely rescued and reported unharmed following the crash. Passengers described a sudden jolt as the ferry hit the barrier, with some struggling to retrieve life jackets amid the confusion. One passenger, Zoie, recounted being thrown from her seat due to the impact, which caused the boat to creak and shake as it mounted the barrier. Rescue teams arrived and transferred all commuters to a rescue boat around 2:10 a.m., which then ferried them to another vessel that completed the journey to Mui Wo ferry pier approximately 20 minutes later. The incident highlights the challenges of navigating Hong Kong’s busy waterways, especially during late-night operations. Authorities have not reported any injuries or structural damage to the vessel, but the disruption caused delays and anxiety among passengers. The ferry operator and relevant maritime authorities are expected to investigate the cause of the collision to prevent similar occurrences in the future. This event underscores the importance of safety protocols and emergency preparedness on public transport services, particularly in adverse conditions or at night. It also raises questions about the maintenance and visibility of navigational barriers within typhoon shelters, critical for protecting vessels during severe weather and routine operations.