Summary
SUMMARY
This evaluation agrees with previous assessments of the port and the positions of the U.S. Seventh Fleet and the British Royal Navy; Hong Kong cannot be considered to be a typhoon haven for ships. The primary reason for the aforementioned conclusion is that Hong Kong Harbor offers no protection from wind. Anchor dragging is a major hazard at the port during strong wind events. Strong tropical cyclone passages have resulted in major damage to Seventh Fleet units and merchantmen. They were grounded because they dragged anchor even though they were steaming to the anchor. Also, there is a significant risk of damage by collision from undermanned, low-powered merchantmen adrift in the harbor during the passage of a strong tropical cyclone.
It is recommended that all seaworthy U.S. Navy ships in Hong Kong Harbor sortie and evade any threatening tropical storm or typhoon at sea. Evasion options are limited, so a timely sortie is mandatory. Ships in Hong Kong Harbor must make an early risk assessment based on existing and forecast tropical cyclone speeds and tracks, and sortie while the best evasion options are still available.
Source: http://www.nrlmry.navy.mil/port_studies/thh-nc/hongkong/text/summary.htm
