No Alan you were just wrong in that statement, which is clear as day from the article I posted from SCMP.

I was just anticipating what sort of twisted reply you may have come up with.

Wrong? How? Nothing in the article contradicts what I actually said.

Twisted? I qualify my statements with respect for facts. And you don't have a grudge. Of course not.

Alan you know, I'll give you more credit on english comprehension than that. Anyway I got to go we will "chat " soon.

OK boys and girls... can we stop fighting and stay on topic, otherwise I am going to have to send you to the fight club

Let's all get back to the ferries, and the accident that shouldn't have happened.

I've been following the inquiry each day and not particularly happy with what I am reading. (although less so than the families of victims)

My 'OPINION' so far is that they have all F@@#$!D UP!! Complacency on a big scale. The Lamma IV, the Sea Smooth and the Marine Department.

When I read reports of management of all of these companies and Government 'passing the buck'.. it leaves a sour taste in my mouth.

I always thought the ferries were safe and as someone who has travelled these waters during typhoons, etc.. for many years, I was never concerned. I looked upon the tragedy as just an incredibly tragic accident, but now I'm not sure that the ferry I travel on is a save vessel anymore. Especially those tiny buckets that stink and bob for 30 mins to HK.

The shipyard that built the Lamma !V also built all of the HKKF ferries. The plans and safety didn't match the final ferry, yet signed off by the Marine Dept as safe.

The more I read about the inquiry the more I become pissed off. But I will leave this too many people and experts on this forum who understand 'marine safety' rules, of which I don't.

Bit like the 'Piling Scandals' that rocked new estates not that long ago.

Luckily I can swim and I am more aware of the bolllocks and red tape in this town now.

But what happens now with the ferry service to Lamma?

What happens when the 'Licence' is up for HKKF?

Anyone know when the licence expires?

It was hard a few years ago when Lamma residents weren't quite sure 'which ferry company' was to service Lamma, but now.... things are going to change big time. Not sure in what way though. Anyone have an opinions?

Tigger this is systematic of Hong Kong and the non proactive and slack way the Government operates with many areas from village housing, illegal structures, illegal land occupation, environmental degradation, poor corporate governance, fucked up education system etc. This pervades downwards in society with nobody caring, taking short cuts and ignoring the rules until something goes wrong. It seems to me it is as much to do with cultural issue of the Chinese, the Japanese don't operate this way nor do the more more advanced western countries.

All eyes are on the Government now, and how they handle this case. Nowadays, with social networking sites, access to information, etc.. departments can't just 'sweep things under the rug'.

I've been following the inquiry since it started. Looking forward to finding out from the captain of the Sea Smooth as to why on earth he turned 'right'?!

And to why the boat didn't stay behind to try and help.

As for the radar... apparently he has a radar licence unlike the captain of the Ferry 1V, but never uses it when the weather is fine. Hope they are using it now, as well as keeping their eyes on the water.

I have noticed a certain 'Paranoi' settling in with many ferry passengers (a bit like when your dog on a leash picks something up from the ground in a split second - even if it's something harmless dropped like a fish ball)...

I digress (as usual ... with ferry passengers, if something slows down, or a swift hard turn, everyone looks up concerned wondering if everything is OK.

It has changed my ferry habits, as I refuse to get on the tiny ferry now in thick fog, and won't catch one during the next typhoon season. Before, I never even gave it a thought.

Another near miss yesterday on the 5:20 ferry in fine weather: Just after leaving central, a cheung chau ferry was crossing in front and instead of slowing the Lamma ferry accelerated! Seriously HKKF, WTF???? 10 metres in open water is not enough clearance!!!

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Sabe 1