Hong Kong jury declares captain involved in '2012 ferry accident' guilty of manslaughter

A Hong Kong jury has reportedly declared the captain involved in one of the region's worst sea disasters "guilty" of manslaughter over the 39 people who were killed in the tragedy.

Lai Sai-ming, who steered the Sea Smooth in the 2012 collision, was convicted on all 39 counts of manslaughter by seven of the nine jury members following almost 35 hours of deliberations, reported the BBC.

The 56-year-old was also declared guilty of endangering the safety of others at sea.

He could face life in prison when the sentence is read out on Monday, the report said.

The captain of the other boat involved in the accident was acquitted of manslaughter.

Chow Chi-wai, who captained Lamma IV which half-sank, was declared guilty of endangering the safety of others.

The tragedy was Hong Kong's worst maritime accident since 1971.

Both the captains had pleaded not guilty during the trial that lasted for more than 60 days.

The accident took place on October1, China's National Day, when the Lamma IV, which was carrying employees of Hong Kong Electric and their families including, children to watch a firework display, collided with the Sea Smooth north of Lamma Island.

Several of the passengers on Lamma IV, including children, were killed.