A high-speed ferry crash will be simulated today for the first joint exercise in four years involving rescue teams from Hong Kong, Guangdong and Macau.
The emergency response and co-operation between the three authorities will be tested in a realistic situation during the exercise Sarex96, Marine Department officials said yesterday.
The mock collision is to take place between Hong Kong and Macau on the Qing Hou Fairway, inside Chinese waters.
The high-speed craft, provided by Chukong Shipping, will be carrying 50 'passengers', supplied by the Civil Aid Services.
A Marine Department spokesman said: 'The collision will cause a fire in the engine room, causing the craft to be disabled. The passengers will sustain various burns and injuries.
'The high-speed craft is to issue a distress signal, and rescue craft and launches from Zhuhai, Macau and Hong Kong will rush to the scene to offer assistance. One helicopter from the Government Flying Service will also be used in the exercise.' The Macau Marine Department, closest to the location of the 'collision', will co-ordinate the exercise and all casualties will be evacuated to Macau.
