The Ukraine Governmental Commission has expressed its gratitude towards the Fire Services Department, Marine Department and Marine Police for their rescue efforts after a Ukrainian tugboat collided with another vessel and sank off Lantau Island.

In a joint statement issued today, the commission said it was completely satisfied with the progress and expressed gratitude to the officers involved for being highly professional and having done their utmost to rescue six Ukrainians and one Chinese citizen. Three bodies of the 18 missing crewmen have been recovered so far.

Hong Kong welcomed the commission's appreciation, and stressed it highly respected the top importance the Ukrainian side placed on the lives of the missing crew. The information and collaboration the Ukranians provide to aidin the rescue is invaluable.

Given the time that has elapsed since the collision on March 22, the difficult situation underwater, the large amount of debris and the extent of the deck area already searched by the divers within the safety limit, Chief Fire Officer Chow Wing-tak said the divers' search operation has been halted.

Both sides agreed the operation must move on to the next phase, of salvaging the vessel. The Ukrainian side will spare no effort while Hong Kong will stand ready to provide any available information and assistance required by the salvaging team.

Director of Marine Roger Tupper said while it is no easy task to salvage a vessel of 3,000 tonnes under the sea, his department will make all necessary preparations.