An unsharp photograph depicting a harbour scene in Hong Kong. In the centre is a single masted sampan, with sail set and five crew visible on deck, one of which is at the helm. To the right of the photograph is another single masted sampan with sail set and three crew visible on deck, one of which at the helm.

In the background, on the left, is part broadside view of two unidentifed torpedo boats or destroyers with the bows and bridges out of the image. A single-masted sampan, with sail furled, is underway by oar off its broadside. A number of other local vessels are in the harbour. In the distance the mountains rise dramatically from the waterfront, which itself is occupied with harbour buildings and cranes.

The original negative envelope was labelled: 'Sampans. H.K. 1900'.

The photograph was likely to have been taken after about 25 February 1900 - the date Hurlestone Jones was appointed to HMS Waterwitch in Hong Kong. For the whole of March and April, Waterwitch was stationed at Hong Kong [See logbook of HMS Waterwitch TNA ADM 53/31961]