A Hong Kong Customs fleet conducts an anti-smuggling operation on Dec 23, 2019. Three HK Customs officers were killed when their vessel accidentally capsized near Sha Chau, Hong Kong on Jan 21, 2020. (PHOTO / GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICES)

HONG KONG — The government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) has condoled the death of three on-duty Customs officers and extended deepest condolences to their families.

I am profoundly grieved by the unfortunate loss of three Customs colleagues who were on duty last night and I offer my deepest condolences to their families

Carrie Lam, HKSAR Chief Executive

Five Customs officers fell to the sea as their vessel capsized after ramming an unknown object while patrolling the waters near Sha Chau around 9 pm local time on Tuesday. Three of them were certified dead after being sent to hospitals, and two were injured.

The cause of the incident is under investigation.

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"I am profoundly grieved by the unfortunate loss of three Customs colleagues who were on duty last night and I offer my deepest condolences to their families," said the HKSAR Chief Executive Carrie Lam, who is currently on an official trip to Davos, Switzerland, adding that she hopes the injured officers would recover soon.

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She promised that the Civil Service Bureau and the Customs and Excise Department of the HKSAR government will make every effort to support the families.