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The Director of Marine, Mr Francis Liu, this afternoon (March 21) presented commendations to 43 people who risked their lives to rescue others in Hong Kong waters last year.
The awardees were 21 police officers, five officers from the Fire Services Department, two officers of the Marine Department, six staff members of the Star Ferry Company Limited and nine members of the public. Among them, three were specially commended for taking part in rescuing others in two separate accidents.
Speaking at the presentation ceremony, Mr Liu paid tribute to all the awardees for their heroic acts.
"We cannot avoid all accidents that place people in peril in the water. Without brave and public-spirited people like our heroes here today, some lives would have been lost and families bereaved. On behalf of the Marine Department, I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to our heroes who displayed exceptional bravery and mighty courage, and I offer my congratulations to all of them for their selfless and public-spirited acts."
Mr Liu said that a wide variety of activities take place in Hong Kong waters. The Marine Department, being the administrator of the port, is committed to promoting maritime safety.
To ensure marine industrial safety, the Marine Department held seminars in May and December last year to exchange views with the Macao Maritime Administration and the Guangdong Maritime Safety Administration. Topics covered included the continued smooth operation of cross-boundary ferry services and the safety issues involved in cargo handling operations performed by the crews of Mainland coastal and river-trade vessels calling at Hong Kong.
The Marine Department is committed to enhance the safety of recreational boating activities. As in the past, the Marine Department will continue its co-operative efforts with the Marine Police and the Leisure and Cultural Services Department to promote marine safety during the water sports high season, and boost public awareness in this regard through the annual safety afloat campaign. An education seminar will be held in May and other publicity activities will take place in the following months.
Ends/Wednesday, March 21, 2012
Issued at HKT 18:26
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