On November 9, the "Ocean Tower" at Ocean Park experienced another malfunction, leaving 41 visitors stranded. According to the Electrical and Mechanical Services (EMS) Department, the ride will only be allowed to resume operation after it has been tested again by relevant personnel and verified by EMS officials to ensure safety. The EMS Department reported that around 2:45 PM on Monday, they were informed by Ocean Park about an issue with the "Ocean Tower" ride. The ride halted due to a signal failure, triggering the safety system. At the time, 41 passengers were on the ride. Park staff immediately checked the system and upon confirming its safety, 40 passengers safely exited through the tower's passage, while the remaining one was assisted out by the firefighters due to feeling unwell. All passengers were safely evacuated by 4:41 PM, and there were no injuries. The EMS Department stated that given the ride's history of malfunctions, they have mandated a comprehensive check of the machine by Ocean Park, including a thorough review of maintenance and repair work, and the submission of an accident report to prevent similar incidents. The ride will only resume operation after it has been tested again and verified by EMS officials. The EMS Department will continue to closely monitor the operation of "Ocean Tower." Ocean Park responded that they will conduct a thorough inspection and repeat testing of "Ocean Tower" to ensure safety.
Ocean Park plans to conduct a comprehensive inspection and repeated testing of the "Ocean Tower" ride to prevent further incidents. This is the second time the ride has malfunctioned in less than a year, raising concerns about the safety measures in place. Previous incidents have prompted the EMS Department to demand a full inspection and the submission of an accident report from Ocean Park. The repeated testing and verification requirement are part of the department's ongoing effort to ensure public safety at amusement parks in Hong Kong.
Despite the safety measures and inspections, amusement parks in Hong Kong continue to face challenges in ensuring continuous ride safety. The EMS Department's strict requirements in such cases highlight the importance of rigorous testing and verification processes in maintaining public trust in such attractions. Ocean Park has assured visitors that additional safety checks will be implemented, but the incident continues to be closely monitored by regulators and the public.