TNAG-1917-FCO40-2721-Interdiction-of-Vietnamese-refugees-at-sea-1989 — Page 73

.<FIDENTIAL

DRAFT

Operational Order

Opposed Towing of Craft

機密

($)

Situation

1.

On occasion, there is a need to tow out of Territorial waters certain vessels which are refused the right to enter, or stay, in Hong

This Kong. In these circumstances opposition is to be expected.

opposition may take the form of physical resistance to the boarding party, cutting of tow ropes etc, or the persons on board may render the

The types of vessel vessel unseaworthy, or attempt to scuttle it. involved will range from small sailing or motorised craft up to coasters cr traders. They may also be in need of refuelling and re-provisioning before they can be expelled from Territorial waters.

2.

The authority for such action will come from Col Polmil to MARPOL. The actual operation will involve Royal Navy vessels who will do all towing outside Territorial waters and Mardep who will be involved in assessing the seaworthiness of these vessels.

Launches of the logistic unit will carry out the tow in HK waters when available, otherwise Sector launches will perform the task.

4

3.

Mission

4.

waters.

To remove certain vessels and their occupants from Territorial

Execution

General Outline

5.

The vessels to be removed will fall into two categories. · First, those that are on or near the Territorial boundary and the second, those which have already entered Hong Kong and are detained at a quarantine anchorage or other place within the Harbour area.

TO CAFTACY ILCHARGE

579/4 28 JUN 1982

D

FON LONG

CONFIDENTIAL

/P.2...

.....

機密