Missing hiker found dead in a pit

Rachael Ng

A 67-year-old hiker, who went missing for two days on Por Lo Shan in Tuen Mun, was found dead in a two-meter pit yesterday.

Yau Kwok-yee was reported missing after setting out for a hike on Sunday. He intended to trek from the Por Lo Shan area to Ha Pak Nai along Castle Peak.

According to his daughter, Yau enjoyed a semi-retired lifestyle and worked part-time as a salesman.

Yau had a regular hiking routine on his days off, typically returning home between 4pm and 5 pm. However, he did not return that evening, and family members were unable to contact him.

His mobile phone signal was later detected in Ng To Shui, upstream of Tsing Tai Stream, prompting the family to notify the police that night.

The last signal from Yau's phone indicated he was not in the area he had originally planned to visit.

Emergency services, including police, firefighters, the Civil Aid Service, and the Government Flying Service, conducted an overnight search using drones.

After extensive efforts, Yau was discovered around 6am yesterday in a two-meter pit near Tsing Tai Stream.

Rescuers ascended from Leung Tin Au and a Government Flying Service helicopter was dispatched to assist around 8am.

"The rescuers warned us to prepare for the worst, as he was unconscious and unresponsive," his daughter reported.

Tragically, Yau was pronounced dead after being airlifted to the Government Flying Service headquarters at Hong Kong International Airport an hour later.

rachael.ng@singtaonewscorp.com