Salvage operation of Emirates cargo plane begins

An Emirates cargo plane swerved off the runway after landing on Monday and rammed into a security patrol vehicle, killing two airport staff.

Salvage operations of the plane began this morning.

One of the salvage vessels approached the airport's north runway breakwater around 8 a.m. and moored next to the stricken cargo plane. A small boat was dispatched to inspect the wreckage.

The Marine Police also assisted in the nearby waters. Staff wearing red vests were coordinating on the shore.

The Airport Authority, which is coordinating the salvage operation, said it has commissioned the Guangzhou Salvage Bureau in collaboration with a mainland shipping company to deploy two salvage vessels, with lifting capacities of 350 and 500 tons respectively.

About 80 personnel, including divers, mechanical operators and engineers are involved in the salvage operation.

Families of the deceased visited the scene this morning to pay their respects.

The cargo plane, owned and operated by a Turkish company, along with the pilot and crew, was leased to Emirates Airlines.

Representative of a group assisting the families said they met this morning with officials from the Transport and Logistics Bureau, the Airport Authority, the security company, and the Turkish Consul General in Hong Kong.

The Consul General offered his condolences to the families and will also arrange a meeting between the airline and the families of the victims.

The airport's north runway is expected to be closed for several days during the savage operation.