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hundred and two passage tickets had been soia, it is quite
possible that friends had accompanied intending passengers
on board. In this connection we have evidence which clearly
shows that passage tickets may be obtained subsequent to the
vessel's departure, and under these circumstances it is very
obvious that the total number of passengers on board at the
time of sailing could not possibly be known with any accuracy
and neither could the Port Clearance be accepted as being in
any way a true statement of the vessel's contents.
The last survey of the "Kwong Tung" was completea on
the 21st July, 1947, and she was issued with the appropriate
certificate fully covering the nature of her voyages and
providing for the carriage of 766 passengers and a crew of 64.
From evidence adduced before the Court we are of the
opinion that a fire broke out at approximately 7.0 p.m. and
confined to a very small area on the main deck immediate-
ly adjacent to the port side of the starboard stairway leading
from the main deck to the upper deck.
was
The prompt and efficient use of well placed chemical
extinguishers by the three fruit stall attendants Tsang Hin
Cheung, Chu Cung Ling and Mok Kau brought the fire under
complete control before the arrival of the Fire Brigade at
7.17 p.m. in answer to a call received at 7.15 p.m., but we
note with very deep regret that the latest figures available
snow that 70 persons lost their lives by drowning.
fully satisfied that the heavy loss of life was a direct
result of panic and the ensuing stampede, which resulted in a
Large number of persons either falling or being pressed
overboard.
We are
There is no doubt that the Fire Fighting Equipment was
in first class order, and we have noted with appreciation the
commendable action of the crew who rapidly brougnt hoses to
bear on the seat of the fire. It is clearly apparent to us
that the united efforts of all concerned in the extinguishing
of the fire undoubtedly prevented a more serious loss or life,