Thirty citizens and policemen were commended by the government yesterday for their bravery in saving lives in the waters of Hong Kong last year.

They were presented with commendation plaques and certificates at a ceremony held by the Marine Department.

In his address at the ceremony, Director of Marine Roger Tupper said the department has launched in collaboration with other departments the Safety Afloat 2008 campaign and a series of educational seminars and activities to enhance marine safety.

Among the commended people, there were eight civilians, five crew members and 17 police officers.

Leung Kwan-wo is a Star Ferry coxswain. While on duty on Jan 20, 2007 at about 6pm, he saw an elderly man jump into the water from the ferry.

He immediately stopped the ferry and a sailor jumped into the water to save the old man who was rushed to hospital for treatment.

"I feel very happy to have saved a person," said Leung, who has saved people on five other occasions while on duty.

Police sergeant Lai Tak-hing and constable Wong Tin-chu had the most unforgettable experience when they were urgently called to rescue two drowning elderly men off Lantau Island on Nov 15 last year.

At around 8pm, they arrived at the scene and jumped right into the water although it was very cold, Lai recalled.

They saved a 72-year-old man, but the other 76-year-old man was unconscious when found and was certified dead upon arrival at hospital.

It was later learnt that the men were fishing in Lantau Island when the accident happened.

The 76-year-old fell into the water as he was trying to pick up a tool that he dropped.

After calling police with his mobile phone, the 72-year-old jumped in in an attempt to save his friend.

"I feel rather unhappy for being unable to save him (the 76-year-old)," said Wong.

(HK Edition 03/05/2008 page1)