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A joint search and rescue exercise was successfully held by the maritime administrations of Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao in the waterway east of Macau International Airport this afternoon (June 10).
The Macao Maritime Administration, the chief co-ordinator of the exercise, was responsible for the overall planning and execution. Other participating units included the Guangdong Provincial Public Security Bureau, the Guangdong Rescue and Co-ordination Centre, the Unitary Police Service of the Macao Special Administrative Region, the Macao Customs Service, and the Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centre and Government Flying Service of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
The 1.5-hour exercise started at 2.30pm and was conducted smoothly. It simulated a scenario in which two Hong Kong-Macao high-speed craft collided four nautical miles east of the south-end of the Macau International Airport runway. Twenty-two passengers were injured. After receiving distress signals, the Macao Maritime Administration promptly alerted departments, including the Macao Customs Service, which then took the necessary emergency action. As the accident was serious, the Guangdong Rescue and Co-ordination Centre and the Hong Kong Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centre were also alerted. A joint search and rescue operation was mounted. Search and rescue resources were tasked to go to the scene for assistance. The Government Flying Service of Hong Kong also deployed a helicopter to the scene to help in the search and rescue effort.
All participating search and rescue resources met the requirements in accordance with the emergency plan set out. The Macao Search and Rescue Co-ordination Centre made good use of the system and information centre under the Vessel Traffic Control Centre of Macao to co-ordinate rescue vessels and aircraft in an orderly manner. This was done by means of navigational devices such as marine radars and the Automatic Identification System.
Also, a temporary command centre for the exercise was set up at the Taipa Temporary Ferry Terminal. Representatives from various departments of Macao served as co-ordinators at the terminal, providing medical treatment to the injured and diverting the passengers.
Today's exercise aimed to enhance the joint abilities of Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao to respond to serious marine accidents and emergency situations. The opportunity was also taken to check the effectiveness of the emergency response plans of ferry companies.
Ferry companies participating in the exercise included Shun Tak-China Travel Ship Management Limited, New World First Ferry Services (Macau) Limited, Cotai Ferry Company Limited and Cotai Chu Kong Shipping Management Services Company Limited.
Ends/Thursday, June 10, 2010
Issued at HKT 18:04
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