Hong Kong’s iconic Jumbo floating restaurant suddenly sinks in sea

<p>
A floating restaurant that was a famous landmark in Hong Kong has sunk, days after it was being towed away from the harbour where it operated for close to 50 years, according to BBC report.</p>
<p>
The Jumbo restaurant capsized in the South China Sea while on its way to an undisclosed location, its parent company said.</p>
<p>
Aberdeen Restaurant Enterprises said it was "very saddened by the incident" but that no crew members were injured.</p>
<p>
The restaurant closed in March 2020 as the Covid-19 pandemic hit.</p>
<p>
More than 3 million guests are believed to have eaten its Cantonese cuisine over the years, including the Queen, Tom Cruise and Richard Branson.</p>
<p>
The restaurant that was popular with the rich and famous as well had featured in several Hollywood films but the COVID-19 pandemic caused it to abruptly shut shop as customers dried up.</p>
<p>
Marine engineers had been hired to inspect the floating restaurant before the trip, and "all relevant approvals" had been obtained, the owners claimed.</p>
<p>
The vessel was due to stay at an undisclosed location while it awaited a new operator.</p>
<p>
But it sank on Sunday near the Paracel Islands after it "encountered adverse conditions" and began to take on water, Aberdeen Restaurant Enterprises said.</p>
<p>
"The water depth at the scene is over 1,000 metres, making it extremely difficult to carry out salvage works," it added.</p>