ROYAL MARINES GATHER IN FORMATION FOR THE LAST TIME IN HONG KONG, 1997-05-28 (photo)

Hong Kong-based Royal Marines gather for the final time for an official picture at the former HMS Tamar Naval base in Hong Kong May 28, aboard their full compliment of six Fast Patrol Craft (FPCs) for the last time before the craft are scrapped as the British forces in Hong Kong prepare to withdraw from the territory. The event marked the last time the 400 horse-power boats would be seen together before they are to be scrapped in the next few weeks, having been used over the years to patrol the territory's waters, partly to stop the flood of illegal immigrants which use fishing boats to sneak into the territory. HONG KONG