Emergency workers in Hong Kong say at least 36 people died after two passenger boats collided in Victoria Harbor.

Authorities say the accident happened late Monday when a boat carrying passengers to see a fireworks display collided with a ferry boat and quickly sank.

The vessel belonged to the Hong Kong Electric Company and was carrying around 120 company staff and family members on an evening cruise.

Officials say all the dead and most of the more than 100 people taken to area hospitals were on the cruise. Nine of the injured are in critical condition.

Police say rescue workers in boats and helicopters spent the night looking for survivors, while dive teams entered the sunken boat.

The accident happened near Lamma Island over a long holiday weekend to celebrate China's National Day and mid-autumn festival.