Officers save lives in rough seas

2 Photos

Staying calm and responding speedily are two key components to a successful emergency sea rescue, according to Police Constables Lai Chi-hung and Chan Kwok-fai.

Both officers recently succeeded in saving the lives of two men who attempted to commit suicide, in two separate incidents, by jumping into the sea.

Attached to Emergency Unit Hong Kong Island (EU HKI) Platoon One, Mr Lai made his brave rescue on February 7 at the Western Street waterfront where a 28-year-old man attempted suicide by slashing his neck with a paper cutter and jumping into the harbour.

Disregarding the chilly weather, Mr Lai responded by diving into the choppy sea with a life buoy and swimming out some 10 metres to rescue the man.

"The young man, with his neck bleeding, was very emotional. He at first resisted, thus making it rather difficult for me to get near him. I kept on comforting him and when he started to calm down, I grabbed him," recalled Mr Lai.

With the assistance of Fire Services Department (FSD) officers, the man was hauled from the water and sent to hospital for treatment. Mr Lai suffered some cuts to his left leg and right arm caused by sharp barnacles.

With a proud smile, Mr Lai recalled: "Despite the cold, and some pain from my injuries, I will never regret what I have done as it is the duty of every officer to protect people's lives."

Acting Chief Inspector Eric Lam of EU HKI told OffBeat that he was proud of Mr Lai's bravery and success in saving the man.

"The sea rescue of an emotionally disturbed adult is not an easy task. As our major duty is to provide rapid response to emergency situations, our officers are trained and prepared for different kinds of rescue operations. In the last 12 months, there have been five sea rescue and one hill rescue missions carried out by officers of EU HKI. The success of all these rescues reflects the professionalism, quick response and good training of our officers," Mr Lam added.

Mr Chan succeeded in saving a 65-year-old man who jumped into the sea off Hung Hom Ferry Pier on February 10.

The Hung Hom Division Patrol Sub-unit Team Three officer said that the situation at the time was so urgent that it did not allow him to hesitate.

"When I arrived at the scene with my colleague, the man had jumped into the harbour and was about to sink. So, I took off my equipment and jumped into the turbulent water," Mr Chan said.

"I told the man to stay calm and eventually I was able to get hold of his body. Later FSD officers arrived and plucked him from the sea."

Suffering minor leg and back lacerations, Mr Chan was also sent to hospital with the rescued man.

"The man thanked me for saving his life. I encouraged him to face his problem with a positive attitude and seek professional help," Mr Chan said.

After 17 years in the Force, it was his first sea rescue mission. His courageous act has also won him admiration from his son and daughter. "I am glad that I have set a good example to my children," grinned Mr Chan.

Meanwhile, a Mr Lam, who attempted to commit suicide in mid-January in a Cheung Sha Wan building, recently sent a letter to the Force to express his appreciation to the officers of Cheung Sha Wan Division for their unfailing effort in saving him.

He particularly praised the professional and compassionate manner of Woman Police Constable Tsoi Ka-man who successfully persuaded him to give up his suicide attempt.

Mr Chan points to the location where he saved a man from drowning