On July 20 last year, when Typhoon Wipha struck Hong Kong, a vessel caught fire at Causeway Bay Typhoon Shelter accompanied by explosions. Despite adverse weather conditions and ongoing risks of explosion, a Marine Police search and rescue unit rescued five people from nearby affected vessels. In the 2026 Honours List announced on July 1, the six Marine Police officers involved in the rescue - Senior Inspector Lau Tik-sum; Sergeants Wu Kwok-to and Fung Wing-hang; and Police Constables Ma Kwan-ho, Tsui Wai-kin and Lau Siu-kit - were awarded the Medal for Bravery (Bronze). They shared that this recognition affirms the professionalism and capability of the Force, emphasising that saving lives and safeguarding citizens are the core duties of police officers.

Preparedness is Key: Early Preparation Makes a Difference

Senior Inspector Lau Tik-sum highlighted, “We prepared and planned thoroughly before the typhoon.” Prior to the storm, the Small Boat Division had already deployed three vessels and formed a search and rescue unit, and reminded members to stand by for emergencies.

Search and Rescue amid Thick Smoke and Repeated Explosions

Upon receiving the report early in the morning, the team was dispatched immediately. Sergeant Wu Kwok-to, who helped coordinate the search and rescue, recalled, “The wind and waves were extremely strong, with swells about two metres high. The vessel was on fire, producing thick smoke, and explosions made rescue even more difficult.” They used the broadcast system to instruct nearby vessels to evacuate and carefully searched through the smoke, soon hearing cries for help.

Navigating Narrow Waterways with Precision through Experience

Sergeant Fung Wing-hang (then a Police Constable), the coxswain, said, “During the storm, vessels in the typhoon shelter were densely packed, with mooring lines crisscrossing, and visibility was low. I had to control the small boat precisely, navigating narrow waterways for the best route to get close enough to rescue people, while avoiding the fire or explosion areas.” Constables Tsui Wai-kin, Lau Siu-kit and Ma Kwan-ho, responsible for lookout and engine duties, steadied themselves on the rocking deck and seized the right moments between waves to assist those trapped. With mutual understanding and division of responsibilities established during daily training, the team quickly rescued five people from two vessels.

Supporting Firefighting Efforts to Prevent Fire Spreading

Seeing the fire worsen under strong winds and the risk of a chain-reaction among vessels, Lau Tik-sum acted swiftly to coordinate with firefighters. He arranged for two boats to carry firefighters and portable fire pumps to draw seawater directly and spray onto the burning vessel. The two “marine firefighting teams” worked together to suppress the fire.

The officers recalled the operation was highly risky. Yet, at that critical moment, their only goal was to race against time to save lives. Their selfless bravery embodies the police’s core mission to protect the public. The award of the Medal for Bravery (Bronze) to these six officers is well deserved, and their actions stand as a testament to the professionalism and unwavering commitment of Force members in times of crisis.