Correctional Services Department Principal Officer Michael Yuen suddenly collapsed while on duty early this morning and was certified dead after he was rushed to hospital.

Commissioner of Correctional Services Pang Sung-yuen expressed his deepest regret at Mr Yuen's death, and pledges every possible assistance will be rendered to his family.

At about 3am this morning, 47-year-old Yuen suddenly collapsed while on duty in the office of Pik Uk Correctional Institution. Colleagues immediately applied first aid and  sent Mr Yuen to United Christian Hospital, where he was certified dead at 4.01am.

Mr Yuen had past history of hypertension and diabetes.

"On behalf of my colleagues in the Correctional Services Department, I extend my deepest condolences and sympathy to Mr Yuen's family members on their bereavement," Mr Pang said.

"Mr Yuen was a loyal and dedicated officer with a strong sense of responsibility. His death is a loss to the department.

"Our Staff Relations & Welfare Unit have contacted his family members. We will render every possible assistance to them at this sad and difficult moment."

Mr Yuen joined the department in 1982 as an officer and was promoted to principal officer in 1993. He was posted to Pik Uk Correctional Institution in December 2000, and was awarded the Correctional Services Long Service Medal in 2001.

He is survived by a son and a daughter.