More accidents, one fatal, so far this holiday

^{Government Flying Services helicopter at Tai Long West Bay, Sai Kung}

So far there have been three incidents involving visitors to the Sai Kung country parks this holiday. One, a drowning at Tai Long West Bay, was fatal, the others involved hikers having to be rescued by Government Flying Service helicopters.

Yesterday midday (30/6), a 70-year-old man and his friend were swimming in the waters about 150 metres off Tai Long West Bay when he suddenly submerged and disappeared. His 64-year-old friend reported the case to the police. A marine police boat, fireboat and government flying service helicopter arrived at the scene to search. He was floating unconscious. He was rescued and transported ashore by boat, and then taken to Tseung Kwan O Hospital by ambulance. He was pronounced dead on arrival. Police have contacted his family. The cause of death will be determined after an autopsy.

This afternoon two hiking accidents occurred within 15 minutes of each other. Around 12:30 pm police received a report that a woman and her friend had accidentally fallen from three metres onto a rock while hiking on Tiu Chung Chau, Sai Kung. One was injured, and her companion immediately called the police. Marine police, fire services and government flight service teams were called to rescue her.

In addition, at 12:50 pm, police received another report stating that a man in his 70s and his friend fell from the hillside position to the beach while hiking in Sai Wan. One injured his head, but was conscious. He was rescued by emergency services and was taken by helicopter to the Eastern District Hospital for treatment..