Stowaway 10 jailed for Tung ship plot

A ship owned by one of Tung Chee-hwa's former companies was at the centre of a plot to ferry stowaways to Japan, a court heard yesterday.

Four men paid US$5,000 (HK$38,600) each to be smuggled out, Eastern Court was told.

They spent five hours hiding on the ship at a Kwai Chung container terminal on November 1 before a gang member ordered them to leave because security was too tight.

Seven men and three women, all from the Philippines, were each jailed for four months for their part in the plot.

The vessel - The Fair - is owned by Orient Overseas Container Lines, now chaired by the Chief Executive's brother, Tung Chee-chen.

The three women arranged for three of the men - who were crew members - to help the other four men sneak on board.