Sanya holds maritime drill ahead of holiday travel peak

A tourist enjoys wakesurfing at Sanya Bay on Sept 28. [Photo/VCG]

Sanya is expecting a travel boom of over 500,000 passenger trips for water tourism during the Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day holidays. To boost emergency response capabilities for passenger vessels, the Sanya Maritime Safety Administration recently held a joint emergency drill for land-island transport ships, aiming to ensure safety during the holidays.

The drill simulated an engine room fire on a passenger ship, prompting an emergency evacuation and a man-overboard scenario.

The Sanya Maritime Safety Administration swiftly activated its emergency response, implementing traffic control, coordinating rescue operations and guiding companies in managing the fire and evacuating passengers.

All passengers were safely evacuated, the person overboard was rescued and the fire was brought under control. This exercise effectively tested the emergency plans and coordination between ships and shore.

To ensure maritime safety during the holiday season, the Sanya Maritime Safety Administration has taken proactive measures, focusing on the safety risks of passenger vessels. It has strengthened companies' accountability and conducted hazard inspections.

Ahead of the holidays, it organized three safety training sessions for 10 local shipping companies and conducted thorough inspections of 70 passenger ferries. It also carried out hazard inspections at 10 companies to strengthen the foundation for maritime safety during the festivities.

With an expected increase in maritime passenger transport and tourism activities, maritime authorities will ensure that passenger vessels and related companies perform thorough pre-departure safety checks and emergency preparations.

Tourists are advised to choose official vessels, comply with safety regulations, wear life jackets properly and stay informed about weather and sea conditions for a safe and enjoyable journey.