Prime Minister David Cameron sent his condolences to the boat tragedy victims as the consulate in the southern Chinese territory confirmed the death of the Briton, without releasing any further details.

"We can confirm the death of a British national in the Hong Kong ferry accident," a consulate spokeswoman said.

"Our consulate staff in Hong Kong have been in contact with the family to offer consular assistance."

Scores of people were injured in Monday night's collision between a high-speed ferry and a pleasure boat carrying company employees on a trip to watch national day fireworks over Victoria Harbour.

The death toll of 38 could rise as several of the injured people are in critical condition in hospital.

It was the deadliest maritime accident in the former British colony since 1971.

Tens of thousands of expatriate British nationals reside in Hong Kong while many Hong Kong-born residents have British nationality dating back to colonial days.