False Alarm Sparks Full-scale 'harbour Rescue'

Victoria Harbour witnessed some dramatic scenes on Friday afternoon with circling helicopters, speed boats, and dozens of ambulances on standby, before authorities admitted it was all over a false alarm.

It all started with reports of ambulances and speed boats rushing to the harbour appearing on social media.

The Fire Services Department then issued an alert saying it had received a report of "a helicopter or a light aircraft" crashing in the vicinity of the convention centre in Wan Chai.

As a horde of tourists looked on, the full rescue machinery rolled into action attracting more people to the crowded area. Helicopters flying low, speed boats zipping around and fire service personnel on jet skis were in the water, while dozens of ambulances waited around the area.

But after about 40 minutes of activity, the authorities admitted it was just a false alarm. The Fire Services Department said its actions were based on an "non-malicious report" and there was no deliberate attempt to deceive officials.

By the time this was established, however, the authorities had sent out two fire boats, two diving speed boats, 23 fire engines, 10 ambulances and one urban search and rescue team.

But all was not in vain as the activity did entertain a few busloads of tourists and some residents in the area who managed to get memorable snaps and selfies.

Some tour operators were not too pleased with this added attraction as some of the visitors refused to get back into their coaches to continue their trips, insisting on staying at the scene to watch the drama.