Ip Kin-kok, 35, claims the film company, as the body responsible for the minibus at the time, failed to ensure he had easy access to an air tank as he drove the vehicle into the sea at Kennedy Town in 2001.

Ip claims the air tank was washed away as the minibus sank. Since the minibus lodged headfirst into the seabed, Ip claims he could not swim to the back of the minibus in time. Several dummies in the minibus also impeded his escape. He was rescued by divers.

The film company's lawyer argued that Ip tried to swim away immediately without looking for the air tank, claiming he should have been able to find it.

Deputy High Court judge Lois Chan asked the lawyer, ``have you ever tried looking for anything in yellow muddy water? Of course, if you are fully equipped, you can find anything, even a catty of garoupa fish.''

The stuntman said he knew the air tank would save his life and kept his eye on it at all times. But when it washed away on impact, he could not retrieve it, he said. Ip claims the near-death experience has given him post-traumatic stress disorder and he now has a fear of diving despite 20 years' experience.

If the judge decides that the film company is liable, Ip will seek HK$6 million in damages.

Fighting to survive starred actor-comedian Dayo Wong, who also wrote and directed the film. The movie took in around HK$1 million at the box office when it opened in 2002.

Ip filmed between 60 and 70 scenes during his career as a stuntman. He is now a businessman.

The trial continues today.