(Video) Footage shows cargo plane floating in sea after fatal runway crash at HK Airport

Shocking footage has emerged from the scene of Monday’s deadly cargo plane crash at Hong Kong International Airport, showing the freighter broken apart and floating in the waters off Chek Lap Kok’s runway seawall, surrounded by rescue boats and emergency crews.

In the early-morning light, the Boeing 747 freighter — which crashed off the north runway and plunged into the sea while landing from Dubai — could be seen partially submerged but still largely intact, its fuselage bobbing with the waves as firefighters and marine police circled the wreck.

The tail section had completely detached, jutting out of the water like a shark fin, while debris drifted nearby.

Onshore, rescue personnel lined the rocky seawall, coordinating with marine teams as ambulances and fire engines stood by. Despite the chaos below, aircraft continued taking off and landing on the nearby runways.

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Sources said the cargo jet’s nose had struck the breakwater, tearing open the lower fuselage and snapping the wings. The left emergency slide had deployed, stretching from the cabin door to the stony shore, apparently used by the four crew members to escape unharmed. The right-side exit was also open, and the surrounding sea was littered with twisted metal panels and insulation foam.

The incident, which occurred at about 3.53am, involved an Emirates SkyCargo flight operated by Turkish carrier Air ACT from Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) in Dubai. 

During landing on runway 07R, the aircraft veered off the tarmac and crashed through the perimeter fence before falling into the water. A ground-service patrol vehicle stationed beyond the fence was struck and pushed into the sea, killing both men on board.

Firefighters arrived within minutes, pulling the two security staff from the submerged vehicle roughly 40 minutes later. One was pronounced dead at the scene, while the other died after being taken to North Lantau Hospital.

Rescue boats remained in the area throughout the morning as investigators began documenting the wreckage.

Video clips shared on social media captured the surreal sight — a massive freighter listing in shallow waters, its broken tail gleaming under floodlights as the waves lapped against its damaged hull.

Authorities have sealed off the northern end of the airport’s runway while the Air Accident Investigation Authority continues to examine the cause. The north runway remains closed pending removal of the aircraft, with flight operations diverted to the other runways.