04/10/2012 (Agence Europe) - Catherine Ashton expresses sadness at maritime accident. On Wednesday 3 October, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton spoke of her sadness at the death of 38 people lost in a maritime accident in Hong Kong, on 1 October. “It is a serious blow to a city for which the sea is its soul”, she said, addressing her condolences to the victims' families. Ashton took the opportunity to “emphasise how much the EU values Hong Kong as a friend and a partner”. The collision of two passenger boats left 38 dead and around 100 wounded. This occurred during a firework display for China's National Day when the water traffic was intense. (CG/transl.jl)