Hong Kong police officer missing after boat capsizes in anti-smuggling operation, three others injured
- Source says Senior Inspector Lam Yuen-yee fell into waters near city’s international airport on Saturday morning
- Search and rescue operation includes members of elite ‘Flying Tigers’ unit
A Hong Kong police officer is missing and three others were injured after their high-speed vessel capsized during an anti-smuggling operation near the city’s international airport on Saturday morning.
Commissioner of Police Raymond Siu Chak-yee said the rescue mission would continue at night, as he visited the injured trio in hospital. But he did not respond to questions about the cause of the accident.
Police, firefighters and helicopters have been searching the sea since 8am to locate 37-year-old Senior Inspector Lam Yuen-yee, a source said.
The elite Special Duties Unit, also known as the “Flying Tigers”, has been conducting an underwater search.
Police said a vessel overturned when patrolling near Sha Chau to the south of the airport’s runway, at around 8.20am and four officers on board fell into the sea.
“Three officers were rescued and sent to Tuen Mun Hospital for treatment,” the force said. “Police and relevant departments continue to conduct the search and rescue operation for a police officer.”