Wave-chasing during typhoon leads to arrest of two South Asian women

Police have arrested two South Asian women for allegedly taking a child wave-chasing in the Southern District during Typhoon Ragasa, according to sources familiar with the matter. 

The two women, identified as Indian and Sri Lankan nationals who are friends, were allegedly accompanied by a boy at the Ap Lei Chau waterfront in Southern District on Wednesday afternoon while the typhoon signal was in force

Eyewitnesses reported that a sudden large wave swept all three off their feet while they were taking selfies, though no serious injuries occurred.

The arrests follow another high-profile incident on September 23, when a family of three in Chai Wan was struck by a giant wave while wave-chasing. The mother and her 5-year-old son were washed into the sea, and the father jumped in to rescue them. All three were still hospitalized as of Thursday.

The authorities have repeatedly warned the public to avoid coastal areas during severe weather, emphasizing that such "wave-chasing" activities not only endanger the individuals involved but also pose significant risks to emergency service personnel.

This case is the first known enforcement action against wave-chasers under the current storm conditions.