With a view to enhancing the Force's capability in handling possible terrorist attacks or emergencies at the Towngas Wharf in Tolo Harbour and to testing the communication links among the related police units, Marine North Division (MNDIV) conducted a joint exercise under the International Ship and Port Facility Security (ISPS) Code with the Counter Terrorism Response Unit, Small Boat Division and Towngas on November 23.

The exercise simulated an attempt by two illegal immigrants (IIs) to hijack an international tanker during the transfer of a category 5 dangerous goods at the wharf. As the IIs failed to seize control of the tanker, they climbed onto the wharf and held a worker as a hostage. Both of them were sighted carrying pistol-like objects. Upon receiving a report from Towngas, the related police units were mobilised to deal with the incident. The exercise concluded with the two IIs subdued and the hostage rescued.