COMMUNICATIONS
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Fleet Auxiliary tug Encore whilst the crews from other stranded vessels were, in several cases, saved by the Police and Fire Services. In typhoon Dot seven ships broke adrift from moorings, two vessels grounding and several colliding at the height of the storm.
The cumulative effect of typhoons following closely upon each other was severe interruption to the normally smooth flow of shipping in and out of the port. The heaviest congestion was expe- rienced during September when three storms in quick succession disrupted departure estimates and caused the greatest accumulation of shipping in post-war years. On 19th September there were 140 ships in the port. By careful planning, the use of special anchorages and the allocation of buoys on a 'first come-first served basis, delays were reduced to a minimum. There was similar but less severe congestion following typhoon Dot in October which was dealt with in the same way.
CIVIL AVIATION
The development of civil aviation, with the reduction to a few hours of travelling time from Europe and the Americas has made a significant contribution to the Colony's life and economy.
After the war it became apparent that existing airport facilities would soon be inadequate and a decision was made to develop the site on the north shore of Kowloon Bay by extensive reclama- tion. Work on the project started in 1956 and in a truly remarkable feat of engineering, a promontory 7,800 feet long and 800 feet wide was pushed out into Kowloon Bay. Direct approaches to the runway from the south-east can be made through a gap in the hills, while the extensive removal of hills has provided a safe, gently curving approach from the opposite direction.
The new runway, 8,340 feet long and stressed to take aircraft weighing up to 400,000 pounds, was opened in 1958. It is suitable for use by the most modern types of aircraft now flying or currently envisaged. The latest navigational and approach aids have been installed and an instrument landing system, surveillance radar, precision approach radar and VOR beacons contribute greatly to the safety and regularity of air services to the Colony. Modern airport and approach lighting have made safe night operations possible in spite of the surrounding hills.