The Chinese mainland's maritime safety authorities conducted an emergency search-and-rescue drill for the first time ever in shallow waters off the Taiwan island on Saturday.
The location of the drill was in the southern section of the Taiwan Strait.
Organized by the Fujian Maritime Safety Administration in collaboration with the Donghai Rescue Bureau, the drill involved a total of four vessels. During the exercise, the participating units responded promptly to a simulated distress call and worked together to extinguish a mock fire on a transport ship.
Following the fire drill, the participants carried out another exercise focused on rescuing individuals who had fallen overboard, which took place amid challenging rough-wave conditions. Onboard the command vessel Haixun 06, operations proceeded smoothly under full control.
"This rescue drill has further enhanced the coordination and cooperation among various units and promoted our capacity to handle accidents and dangerous situations of medium and far-sea vessels under adverse sea conditions. It has also effectively maintained the navigation order of ships through special law enforcement, prevented the risk of collisions of merchant and fishing vessels, and ensured the safety of ship navigation," said Wu Gongfeng, deputy director of the Command Center of the Fujian Maritime Safety Administration.
After the exercise, a formation of rescue vessels patrolled the central Strait and conducted law-enforcement operations.
Mainland’s maritime safety authorities hold emergency drill for the first time in shallow waters off Taiwan
Mainland’s maritime safety authorities hold emergency drill for the first time in shallow waters off Taiwan
Mainland’s maritime safety authorities hold emergency drill for the first time in shallow waters off Taiwan
After the devastating fire at the housing complex Wang Fuk Court in Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR), the central government, Hong Kong authorities, and people from across China have joined forces in a massive outpouring of relief and support.
The blaze, the deadliest Hong Kong had witnessed for decades, broke out at around 14:50 on Nov 26 at the eight-towered residential estate Wang Fuk Court, which was under renovation, in Tai Po district. The fire quickly engulfed seven of the towers, leaving at least 159 dead, 79 injured and thousands of families homeless.
According to the latest official update, the Support Fund for Wang Fuk Court in Tai Po, established by the HKSAR government, has received 3 billion Hong Kong dollars in external donations. Together with the HKSAR government's start-up capital of 300 million Hong Kong dollars, the fund stands at around 3.3 billion Hong Kong dollars in total. It will be used to help residents rebuild their homes and provide long-term support.
Following the fire, the HKSAR government has made comprehensive, multi-tiered rescue and resettlement efforts.
On the night of the blaze, the government promptly established temporary shelters at multiple locations across Tai Po district, coordinating accommodations in youth hostels, hotels, and transitional housing for affected residents. Emergency subsidies and living allowances were distributed to those impacted, while support was also provided through a "one household, one social worker" mechanism.
People from across Hong Kong have joined volunteer efforts, hoping to bring warmth to the wounded community, with donated supplies such as clothing, food, drinking water continuously arriving at temporary shelters.
Many taxi drivers have also volunteered to provide free rides.
"We work here from 08:00 in the morning to past 22:00 at night. We only leave when there are no passengers. That's how it is. It does affect earnings a bit. It definitely has an impact. But that's not important. The most important thing is to help others first," said Wong Chi-chuen, a taxi driver .
At the request of the HKSAR government, the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office of the State Council has coordinated the Ministry of Emergency Management to provide batches of supplies for the Tai Po fire relief effort, including portable outdoor charging stations, heavy-duty conveyors, blowers, respirators, goggles, protective suits, headlamps, and waterproof boots.
Mainland companies and residents, and various sectors in Macao also provided support following the devastating fire in Hong Kong, donating funds and supplies for emergency relief and post-disaster recovery.
"A large amount of supplies was collected and delivered to our disaster-stricken areas in a very short time. It made me realize what it means to be bound by blood. Because this kind of bond runs deep. I want to express my heartfelt thanks to everyone," said Peter Lam, chairman of Tai Po Rural Committee.
Support from across China pours in after devastating fire in Hong Kong
