Hong Kong and Shenzhen Renew Pilotage Cooperation Agreement to Enhance Navigational Safety in Mirs Bay.

Framework agreement on co-operation in Mirs Bay pilotage between Hong Kong and Shenzhen renewed

The Government announced today (May 30) that the Marine Department (MD) has renewed the framework agreement on co-operation in Mirs Bay pilotage with the Transport Bureau of the Shenzhen Municipal People's Government, with the Shenzhen Maritime Safety Administration being a newly added signatory. The framework agreement will come into effect on June 1 this year with a validity period of three years.

The purpose of the framework agreement is to enhance the navigational safety of vessels in the waters of Mirs Bay and to improve the efficiency of vessels calling at the Shenzhen East Port Area. The framework agreement specifies the scope of pilotage services for vessels, pilot deployment, charging arrangements, pilot management and entry/exit arrangements. According to the framework agreement, vessels that are required to be under compulsory pilotage as stipulated in the laws of both Hong Kong and Shenzhen will be piloted by a single Hong Kong or Shenzhen qualified pilot throughout the entire voyage to or from the Shenzhen East Port Area through Mirs Bay, and the service will be charged once. Compared with the previous requirement for vessels to be guided by pilots from Hong Kong and Shenzhen in separate segments, the pilotage co-operation arrangement effectively reduces operating costs of shipping and port entities, and improves the efficiency and safety of pilotage operations.

A spokesperson for the MD said, "Since the initial signing of the framework agreement in 2022, the pilotage co-operation in Mirs Bay between Hong Kong and Shenzhen has been smooth and efficient, and well-received by the trade. Therefore, we welcome the renewal of the framework agreement with Shenzhen in order to continue to provide convenience for the trade in marine transportation, deepen co-operation between Hong Kong and Shenzhen in pilotage services, as well as foster the high-quality development of ports in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area."

Police complete identifications and forensic examinations of remains from Tai Po Wang Fuk Court fire

The Police announced today (January 15) that the identifications and forensic examinations of the remains from the Tai Po Wang Fuk Court fire have been completed, with a total of 168 deceased persons confirmed. The deceased comprise 58 males and 110 females, aged between 6 months and 98 years. Four of the deceased were certified dead after being taken to the hospital, while the remains of the other 164 were recovered at the scene.

Among the deceased were a fireman, two interior decorators, five construction workers, and 10 foreign domestic helpers (nine Indonesians and one Filipina).

All bereaved families have been notified of the confirmed identities of the deceased. The Police stated that all remains recovered in the incident have been positively identified, leaving no unidentified remains outstanding. Moreover, all enquiries regarding the Wang Fuk Court fire received by the Casualty Enquiry Unit have been verified, with no missing persons unaccounted for.

The Police continue to investigate the fire, with a death investigation report to be submitted to the coroner, who will review it and decide whether an inquest should be held. Should a court hearing be convened, the deceased's particulars shall be submitted to the court by the Police during the coroner's inquest. Respecting the wishes of the grieving relatives, the Police will not disclose the deceased's particulars at this stage.

For enquiries, members of the public can contact the Police casualty enquiry hotline at 1878 999.