Hong Kong Police Force leadership suspended the rigorous selection process for its elite Special Duties Unit (SDU) following the death of a dedicated officer who lost consciousness during a water-based exercise off Lamma Island last week. The 31-year-old Senior Inspector, with nine years of service and currently an instructor at the Police Tactical Unit (PTU) Headquarters, succumbed to his injuries at Princess Margaret Hospital on December 10, 2025, after suffering a medical emergency during the advanced assessment.
Officer Dies Following Emergency Training Incident
The incident occurred around noon last Thursday, December 4, when the officer was participating in the advanced SDU selection, which incorporates demanding physical components, including jump, swim, and dive segments, near Lamma Island. According to police reports, after successfully completing a challenging sea jump component, the candidate surfaced but immediately reported feeling unwell before losing consciousness. He was rushed to Princess Margaret Hospital, where surgeons performed emergency brain surgery. Despite receiving intensive care while remaining in critical condition for nearly a week, the officer passed away, marking a heartbreaking loss for the force.
Superintendent of Police Joe Chow visited the hospital shortly after the incident to receive firsthand updates on the officer’s condition and provide support to the family and unit colleagues.
The Hong Kong Police Force confirmed the tragic outcome and immediately extended its deepest condolences to the officer’s family. They pledged to offer comprehensive assistance and support during this difficult time. Recognizing the profound risk inherent in such training, police management emphasized that the safety and well-being of its personnel remain paramount.
Review Launched into Selection Procedures
In the wake of the tragedy, the force has taken immediate action to review its high-stakes training protocols.
- Suspension: All relevant SDU selection procedures have been temporarily suspended.
- Safety Review: A comprehensive internal review has been initiated to thoroughly investigate the circumstances leading up to the incident.
- Preventive Measures: The objective of the review is to identify any potential weaknesses and implement necessary changes to prevent similar devastating incidents during future selections for the SDU, often referred to as the “Flying Tigers.”
The SDU selection process is notoriously demanding, designed to test candidates’ physical and psychological endurance under immense stress. The advanced course typically filters candidates down to the select few deemed capable of operating in the unit’s high-risk counter-terrorism and maritime intervention roles.
The passing of this experienced officer, who dedicated himself to police training and sought to join the force’s most specialized unit, underscores the inherent dangers faced by officers even during rigorous preparation exercises. The outcome of the force’s safety review is highly anticipated, as it will determine the necessary modifications to ensure these essential, yet hazardous, operational training programs meet the highest possible safety standards moving forward. The police management reiterated its unwavering focus on operational excellence while maintaining officer safety as the foremost priority.