Nearest fireboat to dramatic Hong Kong typhoon shelter blaze was on 'other duties' off Peng Chau when fire erupted, officials admit
Fire Services Department explains why it took 26 minutes for boats to arrive in Shau Kei Wan after families and onlookers condemn slow response
The fireboat based closest to Sunday's blaze in the Shau Kei Wan typhoon shelter was on other duties at the time, meaning four vessels from three other districts had to be called in, the Fire Services Department said yesterday.
The department was responding to fierce criticism over its slow response to the blaze, which destroyed at least 10 vessels, damaged 20 more and injured five people.
Among the critics - who rejected claims the fireboats were unable to get in faster due to a blockage at the entrance to the shelter - was a family that lost its home, possessions and even one of its pet cats in the fire.
READ MORE: A family's nightmare: dramatic blaze destroys home, kills pet cat and leaves dreams in tatters
A department spokesman said Fireboat Eight, based in North Point, was off Peng Chau at the time taking equipment to Cheung Chau fire stations.
Four vessels from three other districts - including one from the second closest point, Central - were called in. It took 26 minutes for the vessels to arrive.
A boat from Central – the second nearest – was scrambled, while others later arrived from Stonecutters Island and Aberdeen.