Crushing double loss for mainland family on hike

A 55-year-old man died after he and his brother tried to rescue their sister who slipped and fell in the sea while taking photos on a bluff near Tai Tau Chau beach in Shek O. The sister, Zhang Yongqin, 57, also died of drowning.

The other brother, 61, was admitted to hospital after managing to swim ashore.

It was around 1pm yesterday when five mainlanders and a Hongkonger were hiking near the beach in Shek O.

Zhang approached a cliff to take photos when the group arrived at Tai Tau Chau, but she was picked up and dragged away by a large rogue wave, according to sources at the scene.

Her brothers Zhang Fenyu and HKID holder Cheung Ping-shing jumped into the sea immediately to try to save her. But Zhang Fenyu drowned along with his sister while Cheung was able to swim back to shore.

The other three people, Zhang Yongqin's daughters Lam Hin-wah, 29, and Lam Siu-ching, 27, and friend Lui Ka-ling, 28, who were a little away, sought help from other people.

Rescuers from the Fire Services and marine police soon arrived and pulled the two from the sea, though they were unconscious.

They were certified dead upon arrival at Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital in Chai Wan.

Cheung, with injuries to his right foot, was sent to Eastern Hospital conscious.

Police said the drownings were not suspicious and would be referred to Chai Wan police district for follow-up action.

Shek O is a popular site on mainland social media site Xiaohongshu, where users obtain various information including recommendations on it about tourism attractions such as colorful architecture, seascapes and some of the famous filming locations for Hong Kong movies and music videos.

Posts include those of Tai Tau Chau, which is connected to Shek O headland by a narrow light blue footbridge called Lovers Bridge. It is popular for hiking trails and a site for enjoying sunsets and stargazing.

But Chung Kin-man, founder of the Hong Kong Mountaineering Training Center, reminded people that big waves would sometimes hit the bluffs at Tai Tau Chau.

"Once those rogue waves come they may wash away people standing by the cliff," Chung said.

Most accidents occurred when people were taking photos.

"Taking photos on a cliff is a dangerous activity," Chung said. "When people are swept away by waves any would-be rescuers may also get injured after hitting rocks."

Tourists can also underestimate the danger of waves, he said.

Nick Wu Kai-wing of the Hong Kong and Kowloon Life Guards' Union said it could be dangerous for companions trying to rescue drowning people by jumping into the water. They should call police or throw a rope into the water to drag a person to shore.

"Even if you have learned how to save a person from drowning you may need help from other people to ensure your safety," Wu said. He added that people should keep calm if they fall into the water, protect their heads from hitting rocks and try to swim to the shore when a wave subsides.

There is no fence at the site of the incident, only a notice board warning people not to approach the location, which is already close to the cliff.

A Shenzhen tourist named Xu hoped more fences can be set up to protect visitors.

stacy.shi@singtaonewscorp.com