Inclement weather did not dampen the spirits of hundreds of flag-waving school children as they helped welcome Dayang Yihao to the Ocean Terminal. Adding much to the festive atmosphere was the superb police band with its rousing marches.
Dayang Yihao was heralded into the harbour by a ceremonial fireboat with its spectacular water fountain.
Speaking at the welcoming ceremony, HKUST President Paul Chu said: "The on-board tours to Dayang Yihao were oversubscribed 10 times on the very first day of registration. It shows the enormous popularity of this scientific vessel to members of the Hong Kong community. Dayang Yihao represents the triumph of China's deep-sea research."
Other dignitaries who spoke eloquently of the meaning of this visit included Secretary for Education Mr Michael Suen , Deputy Director of the State Oceanic Administration Mr Wang Fei, the Captain of the vessel Mr Zhen Sung Gang, The officiating guests also include: Deputy Director of the Liaison Office of Central People's Government in Hong Kong Mr Zheng Kunsheng.
The vessel is originally scheduled to be docked at Ocean Terminal from 10 to 13 August for on-board visits by lucky members of the public.
Unfortunately, due to the inconvenient arrival of a severe tropical storm, onboard visits as well as a public lecture scheduled for this afternoon had to be cancelled. Members of the public who hold tickets for on-board tours of the vessel for the next two days are asked to tune in to media announcements for any alternative arrangements.
Weather-permitting, visitors will have a chance to see the vessel's most sophisticated oceanic research equipment and some of its spectacular finds made during its 220-day voyage around the Indian and Pacific Oceans.
"HKUST is proud to have hosted this event. We hope the weather will be kind for the remaining two days to let us continue and complete our hospitality and fulfill our educational mission to the Hong Kong public." said President Paul Chu.
Ticket-holders for the on-board tours are asked to visit our website: http://events.ust.hk/deepsea/DayangYihao/eindex.html for the latest information.
*Note: If the No. 3 or a higher typhoon signal is in effect, all on-board tour arrangements are off. Should the No 3 signal be cancelled by 6 a.m. or earlier, the original tour arrangements will apply.
We regret any weather-induced disappointments.
President Paul Chu's welcome remarks (Chinese only).
For media enquiries, please feel free to contact :
Luk Kam Wing
Tel: 2358-6306
Email: kluk@ust.hk
Donna Wong
Tel: 2358-6317
Email: donnaw@ust.hk
May Cheung
Tel: 2358-6103
Email: mccheung@ust.hk
