Tragic wave incident at Chai Wan: Family caught in Ragasa’s fury

As Super Typhoon Ragasa batters Hong Kong with a No. 8 Gale or Storm Signal in effect, a heartbreaking incident unfolded along the Chai Wan shoreline on Tuesday. 

A family of four ventured to watch the surging waves, only to face a devastating turn of events when a powerful wave is believed to have swept away a 38-year-old mother and her 5-year-old son. 

In a desperate attempt to save them, the 40-year-old father leapt into the turbulent sea, prompting a dramatic rescue effort captured in videos circulating online.

Footage reveals the chaotic scene, showing a passing boat rescuing the woman, who was found unconscious and struggling for life, while her husband was also pulled from the water in a similarly dire state. 

Onshore, their 9-year-old daughter’s anguished screams pierced the air as she stood helplessly, her cries echoing the terror of the moment. 

The incident occurred around 3.25pm, with the family watching waves from the Chai Wan breakwater when the disaster struck.

Nearby boaters managed to save all three, handing them over to firefighters who responded to the emergency call. 

The mother and young son were unconscious upon rescue, while the father remained alert, and all three were rushed to Eastern District Hospital for urgent care. 

The uninjured daughter was escorted to the hospital by police.

Eyewitness accounts of tragedy

Chan, a local resident, recounted the incident that took place along the shoreline opposite Ka Yip Street, where large waves were crashing but the wind remained relatively calm. 

He noted that initially around a dozen people were watching the waves from the shore, with the affected family positioned closer to the water’s edge. 

He witnessed a woman and a young boy being swept into the sea, followed by a man jumping in to rescue them, while a young girl remained on the shore, sobbing uncontrollably. 

He described the girl as quite young and said she was crying her heart out. 

The mother and son were eventually rescued by nearby boaters, and firefighters arrived approximately three to four minutes later to bring them ashore.

Chan shared that this was his first time venturing out to watch waves during a storm, admitting the lack of railings made the spot feel particularly dangerous. 

He and his friends had chosen to stand at a safer distance, aware of the risks and avoiding getting too close. 

After witnessing the harrowing event, he felt shaken and suggested he might avoid going to the seaside during future storms.

Another witness, Sun, explained that he was having a meal at a nearby fast-food restaurant with friends after playing sports in the afternoon when he heard about someone drowning while watching the waves. 

Curious, he went to the scene, where he observed a young girl repeatedly asking if her parents were safe. 

Several onlookers stepped forward to assist and comfort her during the distressing moment.

(Updated at 7pm)