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Danny Mok

A Hong Kong police senior inspector has died after falling ill following a diving test to join the elite “Flying Tigers” squad last week, prompting the force to temporarily suspend the selection assessment.
Late on Wednesday, Commissioner of Police Joe Chow Yat-ming announced the death of the 31-year-old officer at Princess Margaret Hospital in Kwai Chung, where the man had undergone emergency brain surgery last Thursday.
“It is with deep sorrow and pain that we mourn the loss of a colleague in the police force,” Chow said.
“It is most unfortunate that earlier tonight, together with his family, friends, and colleagues, he walked his final journey.”
The force said that it was investigating the incident and the relevant selection assessment had been temporarily suspended.
The officer, surnamed Wong, remained in a critical condition for six days before he died, a source said.
Wong joined the force in 2016 and was promoted to senior inspector in 2021. He was an instructor at the Police Tactical Unit’s headquarters.
“Inspector Wong was a young, promising and determined colleague whose performance was truly outstanding. My colleagues and I are deeply saddened by his passing. We will provide every possible assistance and support to him and his family,” Chow said.

He said during an advanced selection process last Thursday for the Special Duties Unit (SDU), one of the tests involved surface swimming, swimming underwater and diving.
The source said that shortly after completing a dive off Lamma Island, from a height of 8.5 metres (28 feet), Wong became unwell and lost consciousness.
Chow said the selection process for the SDU, known as the Flying Tigers, was conducted annually and followed a progressive, step‑by‑step model.
The entire process starts with a medical examination. Physical fitness tests are initially conducted as part of basic selection, followed by more demanding stages, he explained.
During the selection, various types of protective equipment are also provided, including helmets, wetsuits and gloves, Chow said.
“At each stage, candidates will be asked whether they are able to continue,” Chow noted.
The force’s Hong Kong Island headquarters will follow up on the case and submit a report to the coroner, who will then decide whether to hold a full inquest.
Chow said he would not comment further at this stage.
Secretary for Security Chris Tang Ping-keung and civil service chief Ingrid Yeung Ho Poi-yan expressed their sorrow and offered condolences, saying every effort would be made to help Wong’s family.
Members of the Flying Tigers are always masked when conducting missions, and their identities are kept secret from family and friends to prevent operational leaks or revenge attacks.

The unit was set up in 1974 to conduct high-risk counterterrorism operations, prompted by the Munich Olympics massacre two years earlier, when 11 Israeli athletes were killed by Palestinian terrorist group Black September.
The unit received support from Britain’s Special Air Service to help boost its training, tactics and equipment in 1978.
A distinctive aspect of the unit’s selection process is the round known as “hell week”, which sees candidates undertake physically demanding tasks with minimal rest while carrying equipment and supplies.
Towards the end of the process, potential recruits are formed into teams to conduct a counterterrorism simulation that tests their communication and strategic skills, with officer-grade candidates expected to demonstrate their leadership qualities.
The size of the unit has not been publicly disclosed but archival Post reports suggest that around 100 officers were on standby as of 2014 .


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Hong Kong policeman dies a week after falling ill following ‘Flying Tigers’ diving test

The Special Duties Unit is an elite squad of the Hong Kong Police Force and carries out high-risk operations. This diver is pictured during a police operation in June. Photo: Jelly Tse

Police chief Joe Chow announces the death of the officer late on Wednesday. Photo: Handout

The Special Duties Unit is seen performing an exercise. File photo: HKPF

Hong Kong police officer in critical condition after ‘Flying Tigers’ diving test

Special Duties Unit members dive into the sea to search for evidence in a recent case. Photo: Jelly Tse

Hong Kong police ‘Flying Tigers’ unit vows to keep claws sharp after 50 years of missions

The Flying Tigers are considered one of the force’s most elite and secretive units. Photo: Handout

Members of the unit demonstrate how to takedown a suspect at open day event in 2019. Photo: Dickson Lee

Officers from the Flying Tigers were among those who took part in a morning raid in 2003 to capture “King of Thieves” Kwai Ping-hung. Photo: Handout

Joining the Flying Tigers involves undergoing “hell week” before going through nine months of training. Photo: Handout

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Hong Kong

Society

Senior inspector, 31, underwent emergency brain surgery and remained in a critical condition until his death


Senior inspector, 31, underwent emergency brain surgery and remained in a critical condition until his death.


China

Joe Chow Yat-ming

Hong Kong policeman dies a week after falling ill following ‘Flying Tigers’ diving test

.css-1c6uqr6{color:inherit;font-weight:inherit;font-size:inherit;font-family:inherit;line-height:inherit;overflow-wrap:break-word;}Senior inspector, 31, underwent emergency brain surgery and remained in a critical condition until his death

Senior inspector, 31, underwent emergency brain surgery and remained in a critical condition until his death