At least 36 people are dead after two ferries collided off Hong Kong’s Lamma Island ahead of a fireworks display to mark China’s National Day.

Rescuers pulled 123 people from the sinking vessel, after the collision at about 8.20pm, according to a goverment press release.

Seventeen people were certified dead at the scene and eight on arrival at hospitals.

Of the more than 100 passengers taken to five hospitals, nine were in serious or critical condition as of 3am, the government said.