PLEASE NOTE: EDIT CONTAINS CONVERTED 4:3 MATERIAL

The scene of a maritime disaster in Hong Kong, where at least 36 people died and dozens were injured when a ferry collided with another boat and sank.

Carrying more than 120 passengers, the ferry belonging to the Hong Kong Electric Company was taking staff and their families to watch a fireworks display.

It collided with another ferry heading for Lamma island, and quickly began sinking.

Survivors said people were trapped onboard as the ferry flooded.

A major rescue operation was launched and more than 100 people sent to hospital.

The authorities say a number of passengers remain in a critical condition.

The second ship made it safely back to port and several passengers and crew were treated for injures.

The recovery continued into the morning, as the victim's bodies were taken to a Hong Kong mortuary.

Local media reported that children were among the dead.

The incident is one of the city's worst maritime disasters.

An investigation has been launched into what went wrong.