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In the continuing search and rescue operation for the missing crew members of a sand barge that sank on Tuesday, Fire Services Department's divers today (December 9) found a female body.
The body was discovered inside the accommodation structure of the sunken vessel by the divers at about 1.45pm.
In the wake of a collision with a container vessel east of Tung Lung Chau at about 3am on Tuesday, the sand barge sank with 14 crew members on board.
So far, 10 crew members of the stricken sand barge have been located, including four dead. Four male crew members are still missing.
The Marine Department's Maritime Rescue Co-ordination Centre continues to co-ordinate the search and rescue operation, with the Marine Police, Fire Services Department and Marine Department deploying vessels for sea surface searches and divers of the Fire Services Department conducting underwater searches today. It has been arranged for a flat top barge to be moored above the sunken vessel to provide lighting and other support, and to act as a wave barrier so that diving searches may be conducted more effectively.
Ends/Thursday, December 9, 2010
Issued at HKT 18:48
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