Lamma Island

Lamma Island is one of Hong Kong's outlying islands, currently in the news due to several factors. Firstly, residents face potential increases in ferry fares, with district councillors opposing the proposed hikes of up to 12.8% due to concerns about the impact on the elderly and the local economy. These fare adjustments are being considered to help ferry operators cope with rising fuel costs. Secondly, Hong Kong police are expanding drone patrols to Lamma Island for crime prevention, crowd control, and traffic monitoring. Finally, a Hong Kong court has reaffirmed its finding that the deaths of 39 people in the 2012 Lamma ferry crash were unlawful, concluding a long-overdue inquest into the city's deadliest maritime disaster in decades. The inquest verdict and the proposed ferry fare increases highlight ongoing challenges related to transportation and safety for Lamma Island residents.