My Take | ‘Miracle’ survival of Hong Kong teenager highlights the risks of hiking
- The popularity of hiking in Hong Kong’s scenic hills soared during the pandemic. But with that came a surge in rescues and, sadly, in deaths
Good news is not easy to find these days, so a story with a happy ending is most welcome. Hong Kong breathed a sigh of relief last week when a 17-year-old schoolboy, missing in one of the city’s country parks for a week during a typhoon, was rescued. His mother described his safe return as “a miracle”.
Matthew Tsang Hin-chit, facing the pressure of preparing for university entrance exams, wandered into Ma On Shan Country Park in his school uniform at lunch time.
The full details of his disappearance are not clear. But it seems he felt unwell, got lost, and was trapped in bad weather as Typhoon Koina struck.
Tsang, from Diocesan Boys’ School in Mong Kok, appears to have survived by drinking stream water, eating leaves and wild fruit, and sheltering in bushes. He was airlifted to hospital in a stable condition. It is great to see him reunited with his family. Hopefully, the teenager will make a full and quick recovery.
The drama reminds us of the pressures faced by students, especially when studying for exams. And while this was no ordinary hike, it also highlights the risks of going for a walk in one of the city’s 24 country parks.
