ORAL ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS
Marine accidents
Question No. 1
Reply to a Legislative Council question to be asked by Dr CHIU Hi-kwong on 9 March 1988.
1. DR. CHIU asked:
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In the light of the recent marine accident involving a Chinese cargo vessel which capsized at Kup Shui Mun on 7 February 1988 leaving three crewmen dead and one missing, will Government inform this Council of its capabilities in dealing with similar and other more serious marine accidents?
SECRETARY FOR SECURITY:
Sir
Bin serious marine accidents such as that which
occurred on 7 February, the Government must rely
chiefly for special equipment and skills on the Fire
Services Department and assistance from the Royal
Navy.
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Seven
The Fire Services Department has fire fighting
vessels which carry rescue equipment.
five
five
The department
They also Л
have teams of divers available at any time.
The
teams are deployed on land throughout the territory
and have a limited underwater rescue capability in
15 m
water up to fifteen metres) deep.
The Royal Navy has a diving unit which is trained to
the highest standards in a wide range of underwater
work including rescue. The unit also has specialist
and Ibe
underwater cutting equipment and the diving unit can
be available in about one hour provided they are not
deployed on other tasks.
The Marine Department has no equipment which can be