Update | Retired Hong Kong judge found dead on rocks off South Lantau
Daughter thanks police and Lantau Island residents for searching for John Rhind, 80, who had been missing since Tuesday night
Police have confirmed that the body found washed up on rocks off South Lantau at 11am on Thursday was that of retired High Court judge John Rhind, who went missing on Tuesday.
After a comprehensive air, land and sea search by marine and Lantau South police, the body was spotted on remote rocks on a headland near Shui Hau.
Police later recovered the body, although it took some time as the water there was too shallow for the marine launch and the area was difficult to access on foot. “Where it is, it will take some time to reach him,” police said earlier.
“We had been hoping for the best but fearing the worst,” she told the Post.
It has made such a difference to Mum and me at this dreadful time, knowing everyone was out searching. A very big thank you.
Rhind was a passionate hill walker, especially at night, but took only his walking stick and Hong Kong identity card when he unexpectedly disappeared. His wife raised the alarm at 11pm when he failed to return.
Lantau Island residents put up posters and immediately joined in the search. Helen said she could not thank the local community enough for their efforts and support.
“My mother and I would like to say a massive thanks to everyone on Lantau and all across Hong Kong, and especially the police, for their help in looking for my father,” she said.
“It has made such a difference to Mum and me at this dreadful time, knowing everyone was out searching. A very big thank you,” she added.
Rhind loved Lantau and knew the hilly countryside very well. Originally from Farnborough, Surrey in England, he came to work in Hong Kong in 1965 and retired as a High Court judge in 1994.
