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In the late eighties, smuggling syndicates commenced using large multiple high-powered engine speedboats known as “Daai Feis”. At the time that they emerged, the law enforcement agencies in Hong Kong had little that they could use to counter them other than making use of confiscated “Daai Feis” to interdict the smuggling syndicates.
Marine Region’s operational tactics and capabilities were enhanced with the introduction of the Fast Pursuit Craft (FPC) in 1997 and the Damen Cougartek Sea Stalker in 2000. These high performance vessels quickly brought about the demise of the “Daai Feis” with the last one being seized off Fan Lau by the Anti-Smuggling Task Force in February 2000. This seized vessel later became Police Vessel 70 (PV 70) and has since served as a high-speed training vessel of Small Boat Division (SBDIV).
After 23 years of service, the FPC will soon be withdrawn from service and replaced by the new technologically advanced Multi-Mission Interceptor (MMI). The MMI, with its enhanced capabilities and performance, will further enable SBDIV to fulfil its significantly expanded charter which has come to include emergency response duties and see it become an integral member of the Force’s counter-terrorism family. At the same time, PV 70 will soon be withdrawn from service and replaced by a purpose-built training craft, which will enhance SBDIV’s training in the specialised skill of the high-speed interception of non-compliant vessels.
Eight new MMIs and the new training boat together with two new hovercraft, which will serve to enhance Marine Region’s policing capabilities in the interface between land and sea, will be commissioned in a commissioning ceremony to be held later this year in Joss House Bay.
