Sai Kung experiences two drowning incidents in one day

^{Tai Long Wan, Sai Kung}

Within an hour yesterday (25/6), two drowning accidents occurred in Sai Kung with both victims dying after being sent to hospital. Together with these two cases there have been seven similar accidents this month, in which five people died

The first occurred when a 67-year-old man reportedly slipped and fell into the sea while fishing, around 250 metres off Tai Long Sai Wan. He was later found unconscious on a nearby rocky beach.

He was rescued by a Government Flying Services helicopter and sent to the to Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital in Chai Wan by helicopter. Emergency services tried to resuscitate the man on the way but he was pronounced dead at the hospital.

In a separate incident, a 68-year-old man drowned off the island of Nga Ying Pai in Sai Kung around lunchtime. He was fishing on the small island, close to Tung Lung Chau, with four others, including his wife and friends. He tripped and fell into the water while trying to recover a shrimp cage that had drifted away.

A friend tried to save him but failed and sustained back injuries. A canoeist nearby called the authorities after spotting the man off Nga Ying Pai at around 12:30 pm. He was recovered by a marine police vessel and rushed to hospital where he was declared dead. His friend was treated for minor injuries.

Police are investigating both incidents.