A daai fei with stolen vehicle cargo

Hi Phil,

I'm afraid I don't know why that ramp was put there. Or why it was destroyed. I can only add a few points that might help. The majority of activity during the 'daai fei smuggling era' took place out of Tolo Channel, although I do know that some did use loading spots further south, on the Sai Kung peninsula, when Tolo became effectively policed. Generally, the smuggling syndicates preferred the more sheltered waters of the Tolo Channel to the more unpredictable seas further south-east. Daai feis and unstable seas don't go well together. In guaranteed calm conditions their very high speed could be put to maximum effect. Also, ramps leading into the water were not ideal loading points. To actually place a car into a daai fei the syndicates used a crane and winch to lift the car up, swing it around, then lower the car into the stern compartment. This was best done from a raised horizontal position, like a sea wall or jetty. Ramps were not that useful for loading a car. Of course, they used to smuggle other things that were in demand in China at the time, like TV sets and DVD players. They could take about 400 sets in one of those vessels. But then again a jetty with steps was prefered, so that the daai fei could tie-up alongside for loading. Water immediately next to a ramp would usually be too shallow for this. Hope this helps, and sorry I can't help with your specific question on the Lung Ha Wan ramp.