(16 December 2010 - Hong Kong) Following the completion of a comprehensive investigative review on the Ocean Express by an independent internationally accredited Safety Consultant from the US, which has been conducting annual facility safety reviews for theme parks around the world and for Ocean Park, and the implementation of enhancement measures as approved by the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD), the Ocean Park has decided to re-open the Ocean Express at 3pm on December 16, 2010.
The investigation results conducted by the independent Safety Consultant as well as EMSD indicate that the design of Ocean Express is confirmed to be safe and satisfactory, and the system is maintained properly and regularly. All the equipment inspected and tested was functioning correctly. The incident was caused by human error in accidentally triggering the manual track brake switch at the control panel inside one of the ride vehicles.
To prevent the recurrence of similar incidents, a package of enhancement measures have been implemented. They include the installation of transparent flip covers on all the track brake switches at the ride control panels, and the placement of prominent labels for various switches, buttons and lamps on the control panels and installation of positive-latched locks at all the covers of the control panels to eliminate the possibility of accidental activation of the manual track brake switch in future. The park has also strengthened safe riding message via the public service announcement inside the vehicle and posted warning signage inside the vehicles to remind guests to hold the handrails if standing and to sit properly during the operation of the ride. The maximum speed of the Ocean Express has been reduced by 30% to minimize the effect caused by the stop of the ride vehicle in the unlikely event of a track brake activation. Concurrently, Ocean Park has arranged for an additional attendant to be added to each vehicle during the operation of the ride, and has conducted refresher training workshops for all ride operators of the system. These enhancement measures have been reviewed and approved by the manufacturer and the EMSD.
Regarding the status of the injured guest who was admitted to the hospital on December 5 as a result of the incident, Ocean Park has been getting regular updates from the hospital and visiting the injured guest almost every day since the incident. The condition of the guest has improved from critical to stable under the care and attention of the hospital. The Park will continue to work very closely with the hospital, guest and his family members to provide adequate support and care needed to ensure a smooth and speedy recovery.
Ocean Park once again extends apologies to any guests inconvenienced by the incident. Guest safety is always the Park’s greatest priority and all necessary actions would continue to be taken to ensure all guests have a safe and enjoyable experience at the Park.
Enhancement measures implemented for Ocean Express:
1. Installed transparent flip covers on all the track brake switches at the ride control panels to prevent accidental activation
2. Installed prominent labels for various switches, buttons and lamps on the control panels.
3. Installed positive latched locks at all the covers of the control panels
4. Reduced the maximum speed of the Ocean Express from 10m/sec to 7m/sec.
5. Conducted refresher training workshops for all ride operators of the system.
6. Strengthened safe riding message via the public service announcement inside the vehicle.
7. Posted warning signage inside the vehicles to remind guests to hold the handrails if standing and to sit properly during the operation of the ride.
8. Arranged for an additional attendant in each vehicle (two in total) during the operation of the ride.
