Hong Kong ferry captain guilty of manslaughter in 2012 crash that left 39 dead

HONG KONG, Feb. 14 (UPI) -- The captain of a passenger ferry that slammed into a boat in the waters off Lamma Island in 2012 was convicted of 39 counts of manslaughter. The crash is considered one of Hong Kong's most serious maritime accidents.

Lai Sai-ming, the captain of the Sea Smooth ferry, was also found guilty of endangering the safety of others at sea after a 60-day trial. He faces life in prison. The captain of the boat, Chow Chi-wai, was also found guilty of endangering the safety of others. The two men will be sentenced on Monday.

On Oct. 1, 2012, the boat, Lamma IV, sank after being hit by the Sea Smooth. The Lamma IV had been shuttling people to an island to watch a fireworks show on China's National Day holiday. All 39 people who died were aboard the Lamma IV.

During the trial, both captains blamed each other for the crash.