Distress call: This Malaysian registered cargo ship asked for permission to land in Hong Kong after 10 of its crew members came down with some SARS symptoms - fever, cough, and joint pains.

A Malaysian registered cargo vessel has received permission to moor to the northwest of Lamma Island after it sent a distress call to land in Hong Kong. Its shipping agent says 10 of its mostly Indian crew members have come down with severe acute respiratory syndrome symptoms, and one is in serious condition.

Permanent Secretary for Health, Welfare & Food Carrie Yau says the vessel is expected to arrive overnight, and it will be disinfected. The emergency response system has been activated, she told an evening press conference.

Director of Health Dr Margaret Chan says the affected crew members have fever, coughs, and joint pains. "At this point we cannot make any judgments," she said. "We must ask doctors to do an examination. This is an exceptional time for us, and we have to proceed with caution."

We are adopting a cautious approach, she added, since the shipmaster is not a medical professional. "The symptoms could be those for other infectious diseases as well, including influenza and Dengue fever."

Port officials will screen them. If they need to go to hospital, they will be sent to Princess Margaret Hospital, where staff will try to get details of their medical history.

Because they are not Hong Kong residents, their shipping agent will be responsible for their medical fees, Dr Chan added. The agent will also be given guidelines on disinfecting the ship so it can hire suitable services to carry out the work.

If any of the crew are classified as suspected SARS patients, all other crew members will be subject to a 10-day isolation order, during which they may not leave their vessel.

Director of Marine Tsui Shung-yiu received the distress call when the ship was about 100 nautical miles off Hainan Island. Although he recommended that they approach the nearest port of call, the ship's master chose to approach Hong Kong. Under international regulations, Hong Kong cannot forbid ships from entering.

Hospital Authority Senior Executive Manager Dr Liu Shao-haei says Princess Margaret Hospital has made necessary contingency arrangements.

Dr Chan noted that Dr David Heyman of the World Health Organisation was aware of the situation, and that he supported Hong Kong's measures.