AS TROPICAL STORM Hagupit raged 80 nautical miles south of Hong Kong, on September 11, 2002, typhoon signal number 8 was hoisted, making all maritime travel extremely hazardous.
The Hong Kong Maritime Rescue and Co-ordination Centre received numerous distress calls from returning fishing vessels, including one from a 20-foot vessel 30 nautical miles south of Hong Kong.
The boat was taking on water and reported engine failure. There were nine Chinese seamen on board.
A helicopter search and rescue operation was launched, with Captain Thomas Tang (Rescue 40) of the Government Flying Service (GFS) flying immediately to the scene.
Battling gale force winds under limited hover references, Captain Tang and his team assessed the precarious situation of the pitching and rolling vessel.
After almost two hours, the determination, dedication and collaborative efforts of the Rescue 40 crew paid off.
All nine fishermen were safely evacuated from the vessel, which capsized shortly after. Captain Tang was one of two pilots awarded Bronze Bravery Medals last year for their valiant rescue efforts that fateful day.
