Editorial | Tourists must put safety first in quest for the perfect photo
The tragic death of a visitor in Sai Kung and other fatal accidents should prompt caution among travellers
It is most unfortunate that a holiday has ended with the loss of a life. The 21-year-old from Guangzhou and three friends were lured by the beauty of the Unesco-listed geopark, a site popularised by mainland social media. He was said to have lost his balance and fallen off a 70-metre-high cliff into the sea while taking pictures.
Like many coastal and countryside hotspots, the rugged landscape of Po Pin Chau has lured many hikers from near and far. But the enjoyment of the awe-inspiring scenery demands caution and respect. It is not uncommon for those unaccustomed to the local environment and safety hazards to be carried away and become oblivious to life-threatening risks when their focus is fixed not on the surroundings but on their camera lens.
There have been far too many mishaps when the desire to impress has compromised the instinct to stay safe. Last January, a 61-year-old Hong Kong woman was killed by a train while taking photos on the railway tracks in the popular tourist city of Otaru in Japan. In 2024, two mainland Chinese siblings drowned at Shek O when the brother tried to save the sister, who had been swept into the sea by a wave while taking photos at the coastal site made popular by social media. They are not simply isolated cases of bad luck, but avoidable losses of life stemming from a serious lapse of judgment and the pursuit of Instagrammable moments.
The latest incident in Sai Kung has prompted the local authorities to deploy more personnel to the island and nearby areas to promote safety during the holidays. But while there needs to be clearer signage as well as publicity and patrols to ward off danger, this cannot replace common sense and taking responsibility for one’s own safety.