On This DayTyphoon Rose capsizes ferry in Hong Kong, killing 88 – SCMP archive

In 1971, Typhoon Rose wreaked extensive damage in Hong Kong, including capsizing a ferry which drowned 88 people onboard

This article was first published on August 18, 1971.

Ferry disaster: no hope for missing crew

by T. S. Koo

A large but undetermined number of the crew of the Hongkong-Macao ferry Fatshan, including her master and senior British officers, were feared drowned when she capsized off Lantao during the typhoon early yesterday (August 17, 1971).

So far four survivors have been picked up, and four bodies found.

The Governor, Sir David Trench, last night expressed deep sympathy to the families of those who have been killed and injured during Typhoon Rose.

In a message from Government House, Sir David said: “The deepest sympathy of Lady Trench and I goes out to those families in Hongkong who have suffered grievous loss and to those who have been injured as a result of Typhoon Rose.

“In particular, we would like to extend our sympathy to the relatives of those who lost their lives in the tragic sinking of the mv Fatshan.