Chai Wan wave incident: Mother remains in critical condition, son seriously injured

A mother remained in critical condition, and her five-year-old son sustained serious injuries after both were swept away as the family of four watched the rogue waves in Chai Wan amidst the 8 typhoon signal on Tuesday (Sep 23).

The incident took place at the breakwater on Ka Yip Street on Tuesday afternoon, where the family of four ventured out to watch the surging waves.

However, powerful waves dragged the 38-year-old mother and her son into the water, prompting her 40-year-old husband to leap in for rescue.

All three were ultimately pulled from the sea and rushed to Eastern Hospital for treatment. As of the latest update on Wednesday afternoon (Sep 24), the woman remains in critical condition, while her son is listed as seriously injured, and the man is stable.

Sources indicated that the husband runs a renovation company, and the woman is a housewife. The family reportedly resides in a unit at Tsui Wan Estate.

Details of the rescue revealed

According to mainland media outlets, the two men who rescued the mother and son were fishermen.

The heroic father-son pair were operating a small boat to transport tires for windproofing measures for fishing boats during the incident.

Upon hearing cries for help from the shore, the duo rushed to rescue the drowning mother and son, successfully bringing them back to shore within 15 minutes.

"It was not windy at the time, so I instinctively went to save the mother and child without thinking much," one of the fishermen noted.

The Hong Kong and Macao Floating Fishermen's Association of the Shenzhen Municipality praised the two men's courageous acts,  highlighting their selflessness in the face of danger. 

Additionally, the association revealed plans to report their commendable deeds to the provincial association and the Ocean Development Bureau of Shenzhen Municipality for recognition.