Emergency workers in Hong Kong say at least 25 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 sank.

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

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 (south of Hong Kong Island) over a long holiday weekend to celebrate China's National Day and mid-autumn festival.