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Danny Mok

A father and son drowned when a barge overturned in rough seas off Shek O yesterday. 
The 49-metre vessel, which was carrying a load of sand and stones, was being towed by a tugboat from Shek O quarry to Yau Tong when it was overwhelmed by choppy seas off Cape D'Aguilar and capsized at about 4.30pm, sending the father and his two sons into the water. 
The No 1 storm signal was in force at the time. 
Crew members on the tugboat launched an immediate rescue attempt, eventually pulling the three on board.
Vessels from the Fire Services Department and marine police rushed to the scene and escorted the tugboat to the Chai Wan cargo handling area, where the trio were transferred to Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital. 
The father, 60, and his younger son, 34, were declared dead at the hospital. The elder son, 36, remained in serious condition last night.
A mechanic on the tugboat said the wave that capsized the barge was huge.  
Swimmers and sunbathers at Shek O Beach said the sea was choppy when the accident, which took place about two kilometres off the beach, happened.
Lifeguards on duty at the beach said the capsized vessel had been drifting towards the beach. 
Workers from the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, which manages the beach, were monitoring the situation last night.



Father and son drown after barge capsizes in heavy seas off Shek O