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The Civil Aviation Department (CAD) is conducting an investigation to determine the cause of an accident involving a helicopter which made an emergency landing at the harbour today (July 3).
The Sky Shuttle type AgustaWestland AW139 helicopter, flight EMU2, departing for Macau, made an emergency landing at sea about 500 metres northwest of Shun Tak Centre at 12.05pm. All 13 passengers and crew onboard were rescued and admitted to Queen Mary Hospital. They were subsequently discharged.
Marine Police, Fire Services Department and Marine Department participated in the rescue operation. Marine traffic has not been affected by the accident.
CAD had ordered and agreed by Sky Shuttle to ground all AW139 helicopters for inspection. The service between Hong Kong and Macau is suspended until further notice.
CAD will invite the participation of the accident investigation authorities of Macau and Italy where the helicopter was registered and manufactured respectively. The preliminary report will be released in about one month's time.
Ends/Saturday, July 3, 2010
Issued at HKT 19:27
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