Alice Wu

Opinion | Hong Kong teen’s rescue a reminder to care for our struggling youth

The openness of Matthew Tsang’s parents about his mental health struggles can help us as a community to remember to pay attention to the issues affecting young people’s well-being

The sensationalised media reporting by some is also a reminder of the importance of protecting newsmakers’ privacy

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Matthew Tsang Hin-chit (centre), who was missing since October 4 and found near Lo Shue Tin in Ma On Shan Country Park, was airlifted to the Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital for check-ups on October 11. Photo: May Tse

Alice Wu

Published: 9:30am, 16 Oct 2023

When news broke last week of the rescue of 17-year-old Matthew Tsang Hin-chit, who had gone missing for a week and for whom a massive search and rescue operation was deployed, I had to take a moment to collect myself and process my own emotions.

It was the eighth day since he had gone missing, and in that time he had encountered Typhoon Koinu – which went up to a No 9 warning – and a black rainstorm in Ma On Shan Country Park. Chances of survival, even without the inclement weather, for lost hikers dwindle with time.

The boy’s survival was a miracle and his rescue the incredible work of rescue teams that kept at it, fighting every minute against time, only stopping when the weather couldn’t allow it. A happy ending came about by the combined efforts of more than 120 firefighters, 28 fire engines, nine ambulances, 50 Civil Aid Service members, 24 paramedics, 13 police units and a search and rescue dog. Volunteer search teams include alumni of the boy’s school, parents of schoolmates and other residents.

We are reminded once again of the power of the media. Without it, the family’s appeals and the speed at which they were communicated to the public would not have been possible. The warmth and love of Hong Kong people have been felt beyond the boy’s family and friends.

Now, having breathed a sigh of relief as a community, we should step back and give the family the space and time they need to address any issues, heal and grow with help from professionals.

The parents of the boy were open about details of their son and the state of his mental health. This can help us as a community be more aware of mental wellness of our youth, our family and friends.