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| Home > Publications and press releases > Press Releases | ||
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| Marine Department successfully co-ordinates search and rescue exercise | ||
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Two high-speed ferries collided in the waters about one mile south of Lamma Island Power Station this (November 28) afternoon. Numerous passengers on both vessels were reported to have sustained injuries and require immediate medical assistance and evacuation. At the same time, a man was reported missing after being thrown over board. This was the mock scenario for the annual maritime search and rescue drill co-ordinated by the Marine Department's Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centre (MRCC) today. "The exercise, code-named "SAREX 2002" was also participated by four other Government departments - the Government Flying Service, the Marine Police, the Fire Services Department and the Civil Aid Service." Besides, assistance and technical support, which were essential for the success of the exercise, were also provided by Shun Tak - China Travel Ship Management Ltd., Chu Kong Passenger Transport Co. Ltd. and the New World First Ferry Services Ltd. Elaborating on the background to the holding of the exercise, the head of the MRCC, Captain R. N. Dewan said: "In view of the increasing popularity and public demands of the high-speed ferries, which carry thousands of people to and from Hong Kong daily, it is necessary to ensure that quick responses and appropriate action are in place quickly in times of emergencies." Today's exercise was meant to refresh and familiarise the related parties with the existing crisis management tools in the event of a collision, Captain Dewan added. "Moreover, the exercise also aims to test the efficiency of the alert and response systems between high-speed ferries and the MRCC; the contingency plan on board ferries and their safety procedures; and the responsiveness and communication systems among the various parties involved." During the exercise, the MRCC mounted a search and rescue operation soon after a report on the collision of the two high-speed ferries was received. Government launches and a helicopter were tasked to the scene. One of the highlights of today's exercise was the demonstration of the rescue of a passenger from a ferry and from the sea by a helicopter. Besides, the evacuation of passengers by life rafts was also a fascinating scene. Other scenes staged included the airlift of a seriously injured passenger to hospital and transferring of passengers to safety by another vessel, which was posed as a passing-by ferry during the incident. The exercise was successfully launched and completed in about one and a half hours. A total of one helicopter, two police launches, two fireboats, two high-speed ferries and one passenger ferry were deployed during the exercise. More than 200 staff members from the participating bodies were involved. Being one of the world's most reputed maritime search and rescue agencies operating round-the-clock, the MRCC is equipped with the most advanced technologies to deal with any emergencies or distress situations. It is responsible for co-ordinating all available resources to perform search and rescue missions and providing tele-medical advice to ships in the international waters of the South China Sea North of Latitude 10 degree North and West of Longitude 120 degree East. End/Thursday, November 28, 2002 |
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