The Marine Department has refused to allow shipping vessel Kai Fung No.2 to leave Hong Kong waters, as required by law.

In response to media enquiries, the department said the vessel was issued a Certificate of Survey and its owner was granted an operating licence on October 15. As a Class III vessel, it must be used exclusively for fishing and related purposes.

The Director of Marine had reason to believe the vessel would not be used exclusively for fishing, and a direction was issued the same day to the vessel’s owner under the Merchant Shipping (Local Vessels) Ordinance, refusing permission for it to leave Hong Kong.

At about 11am and 5pm yesterday, the vessel attempted to navigate towards the boundary of Hong Kong waters. The department asked the vessel to stop, and reminded the owner the October 15 direction was still effective.

At about 9.15pm yesterday, the vessel attempted to navigate towards the boundary again, and the department’s officers asked the vessel to stop and requested Police assistance.

Marine Police boarded the vessel but made no arrests.