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A notice was gazetted today (October 9) to announce the temporary closure of the central part of Victoria Harbour to facilitate holding the 5th East Asian Games (EAG) opening ceremony on December 5.
The opening ceremony of the EAG, the first international multi-sports games to be held in Hong Kong, will be staged at the Piazzas of the Hong Kong Cultural Centre with Victoria Harbour as the backdrop on December 5, during which, among other programmes, a boat parade representing the nine participating countries/regions, cultural performances and a spectacular fireworks display will be held.
Similar to special marine traffic arrangements for previous fireworks displays, the Marine Department will make arrangements to close the waters at the central part of Victoria Harbour for the boat parade and fireworks display of the opening ceremony while facilitating control and ensuring the safety of people on board vessels participating in the opening ceremony and spectator vessels, as well as the safety of other port users.
The water areas to be closed are:
(a) The area for the barges for the fireworks display between 2pm and 11pm; and
(b) The area for the boat parade, cultural performances and fireworks display between 7pm and 10.15pm.
The boundaries of the two closed areas are shown at Annex B.
During the closure periods, the areas are to be closed to all vessels other than vessels directly involved in the opening ceremony and those with the special permission from the Marine Department.
Together with the Marine Police, the Marine Department will regulate marine traffic at scene.
The port and maritime industry has been consulted on the arrangements.
Ends/Friday, October 9, 2009
Issued at HKT 18:59
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