9th February 2023 – (Istanbul) The Hong Kong Government sent a 59-strong search and rescue team to the quake-stricken areas in Turkey tonight to assist in the search and rescue work yesterday.The team, led by Deputy Chief Fire Officer of the Fire Services Department (FSD), Mr Yiu Men-yeung, comprises 49 members of the FSD’s Urban Search and Rescue Team, which includes firemen, ambulancemen and fire services workshops personnel, as well as officers from the Security Bureau, the Immigration Department and the Department of Health.
The relevant team arrived at the local area today (9th) and communicated with the rescue team from other places. The Hong Kong government received a request from the Turkish Consulate General in Hong Kong to organise and dispatch a search and rescue team. The team brought with them cutting machines and life detectors. The team also brought 2 search and rescue dogs Twix and Umi with them. The search and rescue team arrived at Istanbul Airport in Turkey this morning. While waiting for the connecting flight to Adana, the commander highlighted important points to the team members during the rescue operation while the search and rescue team communicated with the field rescue team.
