Death of Lam Yuen-yee

Lam Yuen-yee (1984–2021) was a Chief Inspector with the Hong Kong Police Force Marine Region Small Boat Division. She joined the police force in 2007 as a constable in Tuen Mun Police District, was promoted to inspector in 2010, and joined the Marine Region in 2015. In 2020 she became the first female supervisor of the Small Boat Division, leading anti-smuggling operations and earning the moniker "Kryptonite of Smuggling" for intercepting more than 70 speedboats and arresting over 100 people, including a major August 2020 operation that seized HK$37 million worth of animals and smuggled goods. She received two Regional Commanders' Commendations, a Police Commissioner's Commendation, and the "Trailblazer Operation" medal during her career.

On 25 September 2021, at around 8 a.m., Lam was leading a four-officer team on a marine multi-mission interceptor conducting a routine anti-smuggling patrol in the waters northwest of Hong Kong, near Chek Lap Kok International Airport. After spotting suspected smuggling speedboats near Sha Chau Island, Lam's team pursued one of them. The speedboat ignored repeated police warnings and struck the right stern of Lam's vessel, causing it to capsize and throwing all four officers, including Lam, into the sea. The officers became trapped beneath the speedboat following the collision. While the three other officers were rescued shortly afterward, Lam was reported missing. Her body was recovered on 27 September 2021 near the shore of Yi O on Lantau Island. An initial autopsy determined that she had drowned.

Lam's death prompted a joint crackdown on smuggling by both Hong Kong and Guangdong police. Hong Kong Police Commissioner Raymond Siu pledged to pursue those responsible and intensify enforcement against smugglers. By 11 October 2021, a joint operation involving police, the Customs and Excise Department, Food and Environmental Health Department, Health Department, Lands Department, and the Government Flying Service had led to 365 arrests, of which 35 individuals were believed to be linked to a triad smuggling ring. On 1 and 2 October 2021, Guangdong authorities arrested two mainland Chinese men believed to have been aboard the speedboat that struck Lam's vessel; Hong Kong police stated the collision occurred in mainland waters roughly 300 to 500 metres from Hong Kong waters, meaning the suspects could face trial on the mainland.

A ceremony with the highest honours and a funeral procession were held for Lam on 2 November 2021, and she was laid to rest in the Gallant Garden at Wo Hop Shek Public Cemetery, an area reserved for civil servants who died on duty. Then-Chief Executive Carrie Lam Cheng Yuet-ngor and other government officials attended; a weekly press meeting and an Executive Council meeting were cancelled to accommodate the funeral. On 15 November 2021, Lam was posthumously awarded the Medal for Bravery (Gold). Her death also drew derision from some members of the public; Secretary for Security Chris Tang Ping-keung stated that eight members of the Disciplined Services were suspended for mocking her death, and on 12 November 2021 a former police officer was arrested and charged with seditious intent over online comments allegedly made about Lam.