A 31-year-old Hong Kong police officer sits in critical condition at Princess Margaret Hospital following a severe head injury sustained Thursday during the challenging selection process for the elite Special Duties Unit (SDU), commonly known as the “Flying Tigers.” The midday incident occurred in the waters off Lamma Island, prompting authorities to immediately suspend further testing and launch a comprehensive operational review focusing on candidate safety protocols.
Fatality Averted During High-Risk Assessment
The officer, a seasoned Senior Inspector with nine years of service and currently an instructor at the Police Tactical Unit (PTU) headquarters, was seeking entry into Hong Kong’s highly selective counter-terrorism and maritime rescue unit. The selection phase included advanced physical components such as tactical jumping, swimming, and diving.
According to police sources, the injured officer was performing a high-platform water entry when he reportedly struck his head accidentally. After completing the jump, the candidate signaled distress, became unwell, and subsequently lost consciousness. Police personnel on site immediately initiated emergency response procedures, and the officer was rushed ashore and transported to Princess Margaret Hospital. Upon arrival, he underwent emergency brain surgery and remains hospitalized in critical condition.
Commissioner of Police Joe Chow visited the officer shortly after his surgery to offer support, underscoring the severity of the situation within the force.
The Challenge of Elite Selection
SDU training is notoriously rigorous, designed to test the physical and psychological limits of candidates. While details of the specific maneuver leading to the injury remain under review, advanced water entry exercises—often practiced from helicopters, boats, or fixed platforms—carry inherent risks, particularly when involving disorientation or high impact upon entry.
The Hong Kong Police Force released a statement confirming the incident, extending their deepest sympathies to the officer’s family, and pledging extensive assistance and full support during this difficult time.
Safety Review Initiated
In the wake of the accident, the police force took immediate and decisive action. Highlighting the paramount importance of staff safety, all related SDU selection processes have been suspended indefinitely.
A comprehensive review has been launched into the advanced selection test’s procedures, equipment, and safety measures. The goal of this internal investigation is two-fold: to precisely determine the sequence of events that led to the severe injury and to implement preventative measures to ensure similar incidents do not occur during future high-risk training and selection exercises.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the inherent dangers faced by officers undergoing training for highly specialized units, even within controlled environments. The outcome of the police review is anticipated to result in revised safety guidelines and enhanced supervision protocols for all advanced tactical selection courses, affecting police training standards across the territory. The community awaits updates on the officer’s recovery, while the force grapples with the impact of this serious operational setback.