CO129-613-8 Reports on Kwang Tung incident 1-2-1948 - 2-6-1948 — Page 23

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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,