Hong Kong’s iconic Jumbo floating restaurant has capsized in the South China Sea, less than a week after it was towed out of the city for repairs. This means that one of the best-known tourist attractions in the Asian metropolis is now on the seabed.
With three floors and space for hundreds of guests, the imposing “Jumbo Kingdom” was the largest restaurant ship in the world. It has been a landmark in Hong Kong for over four decades. More than three million guests have served Cantonese dishes at the floating eatery, including Queen Elizabeth II and Tom Cruise.
Ship sank in South China Sea
According to the owners, the restaurant encountered “unfavorable conditions” while passing through the Paracel Islands in the South China Sea on Saturday, causing water to enter and overturn the ship.
Operating company Aberdeen Restaurant Enterprises said no one was injured, but efforts to save the ship failed and it capsized on Sunday. “As the water depth at the accident site exceeds 1,000 meters, it is extremely difficult to carry out salvage operations,” the statement said.
All employees laid off during pandemic
The restaurant ship, which is almost 80 meters long, has already had a hard time. Due to the pandemic, it will be closed in 2020, causing all its employees to be laid off. Owners said the restaurant has become a financial burden on its shareholders as millions of Hong Kong dollars were spent on inspection and maintenance while it was not in operation.
It was finally towed away last Tuesday. The plan was to move it to a location where maintenance could be cheaper.
Source: Krone
I am Ida Scott, a journalist and content author with a passion for uncovering the truth. I have been writing professionally for Today Times Live since 2020 and specialize in political news. My career began when I was just 17; I had already developed a knack for research and an eye for detail which made me stand out from my peers.
