Hong Kong, China -- The Hong Kong government says 36 bodies have been recovered from a boat packed with holiday revelers that sunk after colliding with a ferry.
The statement says more than 100 people rescued after the vessel sank were sent to hospitals and nine had serious or critical injuries.
The boat was carrying about 120 people when it hit a ferry late Monday near Lamma Island off the southwestern coast of Hong Kong Island. The vessel was carrying staff members of a utility company and their family members to Hong Kong's famed Victoria Harbour to watch a fireworks display to celebrate China's National Day and mid-autumn festival.
The ferry had slight damage but was able to return to port.
The government statement released Tuesday morning said search efforts on the sunken vessel were continuing.
"All of Hong Kong's emergency forces are focused here," said Hong Kong's leader, Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying. "Wide-ranging rescue work is being carried out in the sea, land and in the air." Leung said he didn't know what caused the collision but promised a thorough investigation.
AP