Three bodies retrieved by police divers in the Lamma ferry rescue operation were not wearing life jackets, a commission of inquiry heard on Thursday morning.

Three police divers said the visibility was as low as one metre under the water. They testified behind a screen to protect their anonymity because they are involved in anti-terrorism operations.

“There were numerous pieces of debris, life vests and unattached ceiling and wall panels. The visibility was very low,” Diver 1 said.

They found the bodies of Chan Man-ying, 24, Cheng Yin-lan, 40, and Pieta Leong Ka-kit, 23, on the main deck of the Hongkong Electric launch Lamma IV, which sank after colliding with the ferry Sea Smooth on the way to the National Day fireworks display on October 1 last year. None wore life jackets.

Diver 1 recalled his discovery of Chan: “Her jacket was caught by the ceiling. I had to cut it apart.”

The hearing continues.