36 people have been killed in a collision between a ferry and another boat south of Hong Kong.

More than 100 people have been rescued and dozens taken to hospital.

The collision occurred near Lamma Island off the south-western coast of Hong Kong.

It happened near one of the busiest shipping lanes in the city.

The ferry was taking staff and family members to watch fireworks in the harbour to celebrate China’s National Day and mid-autumn festival when it hit the other ship and began sinking.

Survivors said they had little time to put on life jackets before the ferry flooded and passengers were trapped.

Some survivors said people had to break windows to swim to the surface.

The other ship suffered a badly damaged bow in the collision but made it safely to the pier.

It sparked a major rescue operation involving dive teams, helicopters and boats.

The tragedy is believed to be the worst to hit Hong Kong since 1996 when more than 40 people died in a fire in a commercial building.

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