>Press Releases Home > Publications and press releases > Press Releases 27 rescued in operation at South China Sea Twenty-seven Mainland seamen of a distress timber log carrier were brought to safety in a search and research operation mounted by Marine Department's Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) in the South China Sea yesterday (December 28) afternoon. Shortly before 3 pm, the agent of 2731-tonne Mainland carrier "Jia Ding Guan" called the MRCC from Dalian to report that the ship, amidst northeasterly wind of force six and very rough sea, was listing 15 degree to starboard and taking in water at about 107 miles to the south of Hong Kong. The centre immediately tasked a fixed wing aircraft and two helicopters from Government Flying Service (GFS) to search for the distress vessel. It also alerted ships in the vicinity to offer assistance. GFS aircraft later located "Jia Ding Guan" and radio communications with it was established. At about 4.30 pm, the master of "Jia Ding Guan" decided to abandon the vessel and all of the 27 crewmen boarded a lifeboat. In response to MRCC's call, a nearby Liberian container ship "Dolphin Hope" attended scene under the guidance of GFS aircraft. It successfully plucked up all the victims at 5.10 pm. The 7466-tonne "Dolphin Hope" then continued its journey and arrived at Hong Kong at 11 pm. In recognition for the assistance offered by "Dolphin Hope" in the operation, Marine Department's General Manager (Operations) Mr Ng Kin-man presented a commemorative plaque to its master Captain Felipe Oyson on board the ship this (December 29) afternoon. Mr Ng thanked the crew of "Dolphin Hope" for their prompt response and sincere effort in the operation which had demonstrated their professionalism and empathy towards their fellow seafarers. Friday, 29 December 2000
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