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36 killed as boat, ferry collide off Hong Kong

 
Published Oct. 2, 2012

HONG KONG

36 are killed in collision of boat, ferry

A boat packed with revelers on a long holiday weekend collided with a ferry and sank off Hong Kong, killing at least 36 people and injuring dozens, authorities said. The boat was carrying utility company workers and their families to famed Victoria Harbour to watch a fireworks display in celebration of China's National Day and mid autumn festival. The two vessels collided Monday night near Lamma Island off the southwestern coast of Hong Kong Island. The government said 36 bodies had been recovered as of this morning and the search was continuing. More than 100 people were rescued and sent to hospitals, and nine had serious or critical injuries, the government's statement said.

Russia

Anti-Islam film banned by court

A Moscow district court on Monday found a film that has triggered sometimes violent protests throughout the Muslim world to be offensive and banned its broadcast in Russia. The ban, which goes into effect Nov. 6, would require Internet servers featuring Innocence of Muslims to block its viewing by Russian audiences or risk having their sites blocked and potentially face charges of violating Russian laws against extremist activities.

Washington

Postal Service in $5.6B default

The Postal Service sank deeper into debt Monday after the agency defaulted on a $5.6 billion payment due at the end of September, the second time the agency has missed a deadline this year to set aside money for its future retiree health benefits. The post office said it expected net operating losses to be $15 billion for the fiscal year that ended Sept. 30. That loss includes the two missed payments totaling $11.1 billion.

WASHINGTON

Parking attendant steals $400,000

A parking attendant has pleaded guilty to stealing $400,000 in visitor parking fees over three years by undercounting vehicles entering the lot at the Smithsonian Institution's Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Va. Meseret Terefe, 36, an employee of Parking Management Inc., worked as a booth attendant at the center, which is home to the space shuttle Discovery.

Elsewhere

Hanford, Calif.: At least 40 people suffered minor injuries Monday when a big rig and an Amtrak passenger train collided south of Hanford in central California, authorities said.

Oak Ridge, Tenn.: The security contractor at the Y-12 nuclear weapons plant in Tennessee has been fired after authorities say three activists cut through fences this summer and vandalized a building.

Russia: A Moscow appellate court postponed a hearing Monday in the case of the punk protest band Pussy Riot after one of three defendants said she wanted to fire her lawyers because of disagreements.

Times wires