Hundreds of boat owners and residents marched across the private residential enclave of Discovery Bay in Hong Kong in silent as they protest the local marina's abrupt plan to clear out berths for renovations at the end of the year. Most of the protesters reportedly live aboard their vessels.
According to South China Morning Post, the group was clad in white while marching from Discovery Bay Marina Club on Lantau, which his Hong Kong's largest outlying island, to the community's North Plaza with their kids, friends, and even pets in tow.
Last month, these people were alerted by the club that memberships and berthing permits would be officially terminated come December 31. The termination is basically for "extensive renovations," giving them about four months to start relocating their boats.
Considering a heavy shortage of mooring places in the city, owners claimed that four months would not be enough for them to search for a new berth. Without moorings, their vessels would lose most of their value due to the fact that only a few numbers of people would be interested in buying them.
There are about 150 to 200 families living on boats in the marina, according to local residents.
One liveaboard boat owner who goes by the name of Chris stated that the club's decision would only bankrupt him. He believes that the termination would eventually be forced into the rental market while having to pay off his mortgage for another 13 years.
"It's an emotional time now. My wife has been crying a lot and I've nearly broken down ... after getting over the initial anger and frustration," he said.
"The sadness comes from the fact that we will be losing what is effectively our home. This is very short notice to have to completely rearrange your life."
In hopes of acquiring a more idyllic lifestyle free from the jaws of the city's sky-high rents, the Briton bought the boat and moved into it three years ago with his wife and three children, Yahoo! News reports. It cost him about HK$6 million (US$769,000).
He also found it hard to understand why the club did not make an effort to make its plans a little bit clearer to members. He even went to comment that the establishment is still charging for membership and liveaboard fees.
"Everyone here faces a crisis," said boat owner Domenico Antico, a co-organiser of the march.
"We are still awaiting concrete feedback from the [Hong Kong] Resort Company, [developer of Discovery Bay and a principal subsidiary of HKR International]."
