Police Launch 72 from Marine East Division (MEDIV) rescued seven Mainland crewmen shortly after their river trade vessel capsized and sunk in poor weather on the night of November 23.

The survivors were none the worse for their ordeal, except two who required medical treatment for minor injuries. Sadly, the eighth crewmember was not found, apparently lost with the ship.

MEDIV despatched PL 72, as well as PLs 53, 62 and 71, to join a major inter-departmental search and rescue operation after being alerted by Marine Department that the 700-tonne Mainland vessel had sunk east of Tung Lung Chau. The vessel was at the time transiting Hong Kong with a containerised cargo of ceramic tiles. It is believed that the 29 containers onboard shifted during heavy weather, rendering the vessel unstable.

Within only seven minutes after receiving the report, PL 72 under the command of Senior Inspector Jerry Lam Kam-wa spotted seven survivors in the sea one and a half nautical miles east of Tathong Point, clinging to wreckage and floatation devices. Despite the rough seas, PL 72's crew saved all seven survivors onboard by physically hauling them up scrambling nets.

Later on returning to their base in Tui Min Hoi, Sai Kung, the crew of PL 72 were met and complimented for a job well done by Marine Outer Waters District Commander Michael Parker and Marine East Divisional Commander Alasdair Watson.

SIP Jerry Lam told OffBeat that despite high winds and rough seas, his men displayed good teamwork and made an concerted effort during the whole rescue operation.

"The operation was a difficult and dangerous job in a very hostile situation!" he noted.

PL 72's crew display teamwork and bravery during rescue operation