Surfer airlifted to safety at Big Wave Bay

A western surfer and a lifeguard have to be airlifted to safety after they were trapped on a rocky beach at Big Wave Bay in Southern District. 

At around 12.20pm, the man went surfing at the bay north of Shek O. He was brought by huge waves to a rocky beach. He shouted for help after he failed to return to the usual sandy beach.

A lifeguard wanted to reach the man, he ended up trapped on the pebble beach together with him. 

The Government Flying Service sent a helicopter to the scene. A rescuer managed to airlift them to safety.

At the time of the accident, the red flag was hoisted at Big Wave Bay due to big waves.

Red flags were also erected at Stanley Main Beach and Shek O Beach in Southern District; Trio Beach, Hap Mun Bay Beach, Silverstrand Beach and Clear Water Bay Second Beach in Sai Kung District; Lower Cheung Sha Beach and Cheung Chau Tung Wan Beach in Islands District. 

Beachgoers are advised not to swim when the red flag is hoisted.