4.
5.
At 0055 hrs. on 25 October Police Launch (PL) 70
spotted an unlit target at position 22 24 4 west, 113 55 0 east (approximately 2 miles north of Black Point). It was illuminated and revealed to be a grey
speedboat, 8 metres in length. It responded by
flashing a red light. PL 70 invited it to come alongside which it did, whereupon it was joined by another speedboat which was slightly smaller (approximately 6.5 metres). Both were powered by
inboard diesels. 2 officers from these speedboats
(which by this time had been identified as Chinese Customs vessels 3102 and 3103) went on board PL 70.
Their names were Leung and Ng. They stated that they
were from the Customs Base at Nei Ling Ding.
not normally patrol in Deep Bay but had been
instructed to do so to intercept smugglers.
They did
The officers, who were polite and professional, said they were aware that a "Tai Fei" of the Gong Bian was operating in the area but stated that there was no
liaison between the departments.
On the night of 14 October PV 34 sighted Gong Bian 146 at position 22 26 9 north, 113 52 2 east. PV 34 asked what it was doing in Hong Kong waters. The officer in charge who identified himself as Captain Chong
税
operation.
), stated that they were on an anti-smuggling
Captain Chong asked if the Gong Bian could enter Hong Kong waters to check any suspect vessel. He was informed that this was not permitted and politely asked to leave Hong Kong waters. Gong Bian 146 complied with the request and moved off north at 2300
hrs. Contact was friendly throughout.