Hong Kong police officer in critical condition after ‘Flying Tigers’ diving test

The 31‑year‑old officer was taking part in the advanced selection test for the Special Duties Unit, known as the Flying Tigers, which involved diving, swimming and underwater tasks at noon on Thursday, a police spokesman said.

Shortly after completing a dive, he became unwell and lost consciousness. He was rushed to Princess Margaret Hospital in Kwai Chung, where he underwent emergency brain surgery.

The officer, an instructor at the Police Tactical Unit’s headquarters, remains in intensive care in a critical condition.

The spokesman said late on Thursday that the officer had served in the force for nine years. The force extended its deepest sympathies to the officer’s family and would provide all possible help and support, the spokesman said.

“The safety of our personnel has always been our top priority. The selection process has been immediately suspended and a review launched to prevent similar incidents from happening again,” the spokesman added.