Maritime authorities yet to announce Jumbo Floating Restaurant’s fate as Hong Kong expert says sinking it might not be possible
- Maritime authorities look into what actions may be taken according to local and international rules
- Owner may not be allowed to scuttle vessel because it would be difficult to ensure it sinks all the way to bottom of ocean, says expert
Maritime authorities handling the capsizing of Hong Kong’s Jumbo Floating Restaurant, which got into difficulty while being towed to a new mooring, pledged on Tuesday to announce their decision on the disposal of the vessel as a local expert said sinking it might not be feasible.
Jumbo’s parent company Aberdeen Restaurant Enterprises revealed on Sunday that the Sansha Maritime Safety Administration in Hainan had been informed of what happened and was looking into the appropriate actions according to local and international rules and regulations.
“The incident is still being handled, an announcement will be made if there is an outcome,” a spokesman for the authorities said on Tuesday.
Louis Szeto Ka-sing, a former chairman of the Hong Kong Institute of Engineers’ mechanical, marine, naval architecture and chemical division, said the Sansha authorities were unlikely to allow the owner to scuttle the vessel unless the company could prove it was feasible.
“I do not think the [Sansha Maritime Safety Administration] will allow the owner to sink the vessel,” he said.