*********************
The Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) announced today (May 29) that the Marine Police and Government Flying Service had completed searches in the nearby waters of 10 beaches in the Southern District last night and today, and confirmed that no shark was sighted.
These beaches are Shek O Beach, Deep Water Bay Beach, Repulse Bay Beach, Middle Bay Beach, South Bay Beach, Chung Hom Kok Beach, St. Stephen's Beach, Big Wave Bay Beach, Stanley Main Beach and Turtle Cove Beach.
LCSD's shark prevention net maintenance contractor has conducted sonar checks and no shark or suspected big fish was found inside the swimming zones enclosed by the shark prevention nets at the 10 beaches.
The contractor has also completed checking the shark prevention nets at the 10 beaches and confirmed that they are in good condition, and that was confirmed by the independent contractor.
The red flag at Shek O Beach has been lowered and the beach has been reopened to the public. The shark flags at the beach and nine other beaches in the Southern District are still hoisted to remind swimmers to stay inside the shark prevention nets as sharks have been sighted in nearby waters.
LCSD's staff will remain vigilant and strengthen patrols inside the swimming zones. The LCSD has also asked the Marine Police and Government Flying Service to conduct searches in nearby waters in the next few days.
Activities provided by the Stanley Main Beach Water Sports Centre and St. Stephen's Beach Water Sports Centre which share the same waters remain suspended until further notice.
Staff of all other LCSD beaches have also enhanced vigilance. Swimmers are advised to stay inside the shark prevention nets to ensure safety.
Ends/Thursday, May 29, 2008
Issued at HKT 17:13
NNNN
