Stand-up paddle boarder drifts from Shenzhen waters to Hong Kong’s Sai Kung overnight
- Police say 59-year-old man claims he fell into sea while paddle boarding in Shenzhen, coming ashore in remote Sai Kung village next day
- He was sent to Tseung Kwan O Hospital for check-ups with scratches on his jaw and legs
A stand-up paddle boarder has reportedly drifted from Shenzhen waters to Hong Kong’s Sai Kung overnight after getting lost at sea.
The 59-year-old man called Hong Kong police on Sunday at 11.52am after coming ashore at Ko Lau Wan, a remote village in Sai Kung, and borrowing a passer-by’s phone.
“He claimed that he fell into the sea while paddle boarding in Shenzhen on Saturday,” a police spokesman said.
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It is unclear whether the man, a Hong Kong resident, had drifted into city waters on his paddle board or by swimming.
He had scratches on his jaw and legs, and was sent to Tseung Kwan O Hospital for further check-ups.
The force added that a 34-year-old local man on Saturday also reported the case, saying that the paddle boarder fell into the sea in Shenzhen and got lost.
Dr Lobo Louie Hung-tak, associate head of the Education University of Hong Kong’s department of health and physical education, said the man was “very lucky” to have survived given he travelled about 15km (nine miles) on the open sea from the other side of the border.
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If anyone found themselves in such a situation, he or she should keep their moves to a minimum to save energy, he said.
Louie urged paddle boarders to consider their skill level and physical strength while engaging in the sport, warning that beginners should stay near the shore.
“They must wear a life jacket and place their mobile phone inside a waterproof bag so that they can call for help in case of emergency,” he said, adding they should also carry water and snacks to replenish their strength.
He noted that local sports enthusiasts could install the “HKSOS” app launched by police, which would dial the 999 emergency hotline for registered users upon request.
The expert also said residents should play water sports in groups and they could alert equipment rental shops about their planned route and return time.
