Rescued hawksbill turtle returned to sea
The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) released a hawksbill turtle into the southern waters of Hong Kong today (August 12).
The hawksbill turtle was found stranded at Nam Tam Wan, Cheung Chau, in July 2024 by the public and was subsequently rescued by AFCD officers. Following an initial examination, the turtle was sent to Ocean Park Hong Kong (OPHK) where it was assessed by veterinarians and placed under their continuous monitoring and veterinary care.
An AFCD spokesman said, "The hawksbill turtle weighs around 11 kilograms and has a carapace length of about 47 centimetres. After assessment by OPHK's veterinarians, the turtle was found to be in good condition and fit to return to the sea. The department expresses gratitude to OPHK for their dedicated care."
Before the turtle was released into the sea, the AFCD implanted a microchip and attached an Inconel tag for future identification. A satellite transmitter was also mounted on its carapace to track its movements and provide information on its feeding grounds, collecting data to formulate appropriate conservation measures. The AFCD will share the collected information with conservation authorities in other regions to enhance collaborative efforts in protecting sea turtles.
The hawksbill turtle is a globally endangered species and occasionally appears in local waters. In Hong Kong, all wild turtles (including sea turtles) are protected by the Wild Animals Protection Ordinance (Cap. 170). No person shall hunt or wilfully disturb, possess, sell or export sea turtles. Offenders are liable to a maximum fine of $100,000 and imprisonment for one year, with the specimens forfeited upon conviction.
In addition, all sea turtle species are listed in Appendix I to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora and are regulated in Hong Kong under the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance (Cap. 586). Any person who imports, introduces from the sea, exports, re-exports or possesses sea turtles not in accordance with the Ordinance has comitted an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $10 million and imprisonment for 10 years, and the specimens will also be forfeited.
The AFCD urges the public to report any sightings of sea turtles or suspected irregularities involving sea turtles to the department at 1823.
Rescued hawksbill turtle returned to sea Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Labour Department highly concerned about fatal work accident that happened in Kai Tak today
The Labour Department (LD) is highly concerned about a fatal work accident that happened at a construction site in Kai Tak this afternoon (January 12). While a male worker was detaching the lifting gear connected to the top of a water tank, the water tank displaced suddenly, trapping the worker between the water tank and a bored pile casing nearby. He was certified dead later in hospital. The LD is saddened by the death of the worker and expresses its deepest sympathy to his family.
The LD's spokesman said, "We commenced an immediate on-site investigation as soon as we were notified of the accident and have issued suspension notices to the contractors concerned, suspending the use of mobile cranes for lifting operation at site concerned. The contractors cannot resume the work process until the LD is satisfied that suitable measures to abate the relevant risks have been taken."
The spokesman added, "We will complete the investigation as soon as possible to identify the cause of the accident, ascertain the liability of the duty holders and recommend improvement measures. We will take actions pursuant to the law if there is any violation of the work safety legislation."
To prevent workers from being struck or trapped by loads when engaged in unrigging process, the LD reminds employers to (i) ensure that the place supporting the loads is secure; and (ii) formulate proper unrigging methods for detaching lifting gear so as to prevent displacement of the objects in the course of unrigging operations.
The general duty provisions of the Occupational Safety and Health Ordinance require employers to provide safe working environments, plant and systems of work for their employees. Those who contravene the relevant provisions are liable to a maximum fine of $10 million and imprisonment for two years.
In regard to today's accident, the LD will issue a Work Safety Alert through its mobile application "OSH 2.0", website and email, giving a brief account of the accident concerned to duty holders, workers' unions, professional bodies of safety practitioners and others, and reminding the industry of the importance of following safety precautionary measures to prevent a recurrence of similar accidents.
The LD will also remind the employer concerned of the liability for employees' compensation under the Employees' Compensation Ordinance, assist family members of the deceased to claim employees' compensation and closely follow up on the case. For those with financial difficulties, the LD will assist them to apply for appropriate emergency funds. Subject to the needs and wishes of family members of the deceased, the LD will also liaise with the Social Welfare Department for financial or other assistance.
For the sake of securing the safety and health of employees at work, the LD appeals to employers to provide plant and systems of work that are safe and without risks to health. Employees should co-operate with their employers, adopt all safety measures and use personal protective equipment provided properly to avoid endangering their own work safety and that of other workers.
Source: AI-found images
