Boy, 16, dies after collapsing during hike
A 16-year-old boy died after he collapsed while hiking in Sai Kung yesterday.
The teenager, surnamed Yiu, was hiking with more than 50 cadets and instructors of the Hong Kong Adventure Corps near the High Island Reservoir in Sai Kung Country Park.
He fainted at about 1.40pm and instructors with first aid experience tried to bring him round. He was unconscious while being airlifted to Eastern Hospital by the Government Flying Service and was certified dead at about 3.30pm.
The Fire Services Department and Civil Aid Service received 103 requests for help from hikers in the first nine months of this year, up 7 per cent compared with the same period last year.
The Civil Aid Service issued general advice for all hikers to plan ahead before a trip and not to overestimate their own ability when planning their route. 'They should follow planned routes and should not change paths when hiking,' a spokesman for the service said.
The service will deploy more staff to patrol hiking trails during holidays and to offer help to people in need.
Telecoms watchdog Ofta said a new transmission station would be launched in Shek Pik on Lantau next month.
'The new station will further improve network coverage in country parks on south Lantau Island,' a spokesman said. 'It is very difficult to achieve 100 per cent coverage, as it is economically and technically infeasible to extend coverage to some areas.'
He suggested that hikers take a walkie-talkie with them.
