The Jumbo Kingdom, one of Hong Kong’s most iconic maritime landmarks, has sunk in the South China Sea.
For five decades the vessel, more commonly known as the Jumbo floating restaurant, lay at its moorings in the city’s Aberdeen Harbour enticing diners to mount its gangway to sample some of the finest Chinese cuisine on offer.
The Jumbo Kingdom (built 1976) counted royalty, politicians, movie stars and other members of the rich and famous club among its patrons during its heyday.
The vessel was itself a movie star, featuring in numerous prominent Cantonese and Hollywood films.
Sadly, by last week that heyday was over. The restaurant had reportedly been losing money for years, and maintenance costs were said to be high. Covid-19 dealt it the death knell. Hong Kong’s prolonged border closure deprived the establishment of its main clientele base — tourists.
Last Tuesday, a tug towed the Jumbo Kingdom out of Hong Kong. It was said to be bound for an undisclosed location in South East Asia.
Owner Aberdeen Restaurant Enterprises said on Monday that the Jumbo Kingdom had sunk on Sunday after encountering heavy weather in the South China Sea.
The company said there was no crew on board at the time of the sinking.
The Jumbo Kingdom was said to have been thoroughly inspected by professional marine engineers prior to its departure and had obtained all relevant approvals.
A giant barge with a structure resembling a Chinese palace built on top, it is not listed in any international maritime databases.
TradeWinds was unable to ascertain which P&I club provided cover for the voyage.
