At least 25 killed in vessel collision in Hong Kong: Official

At least 25 people were killed after two vessels collided on Monday evening off the Lamma Island on the southwest of the Hong Kong Island, a local official said Tuesday, Xinhua reported.

At least 25 people were reported dead and as many as 20 remained missing after a Hong Kong ferry carrying more than 120 people was hit by another vessel late Monday.

Police in the Chinese territory said 101 people had been rescued in waters off the Lamma island village of Yung Shue Wan, according to the South China Morning Post.

Hong Kong's Hospital Authority said there were eight deaths as of midnight Monday (12 p.m. ET), and at least 53 people sent to area hospitals, the Wall Street Journal reported.

Divers continued searching for survivors in the waters around the half-submerged ferry, which was carrying staff from Hong Kong Electric utility company and family members when it was hit.

The vessel rented by the utility company was headed to Hong Kong's Victoria Harbor to view the fireworks display to celebrate China's National Day and mid-autumn festival.