GFS helicopter searching the sea near Tai Mong Tsai
A tragedy occurred last night (17/7) when a speedboat captain jumped into the water to rescue a wakeboarder in difficulty and was struck and killed by the boat’s propeller. The accident happened about 50 meters off Tai Mong Tsai, Sai Kung, a well-known water ski area.
At around 6:00 p.m., police received a report that a speedboat captain had fallen overboard about 50 meters off Tai Mong Tsai. Police and firefighters rushed to the scene and found three female passengers safe and sound on the speedboat, but the captain was missing, so they launched a search. The Government Flying Service also sent helicopters to help. Around an hour later, rescuers finally found the missing man, but he was confirmed dead.
The three rescued women arrive at Marie Police Base in Sai Kung Photo: 文健雄/on.cc
Local media report that the 31-year-old deceased was employed by the boat company and was driving the boat to take three women out to sea for wakeboarding. After investigation, police believe one of the passengers had difficulty wakeboarding and that the captain was hit by the boat’s propeller when he jumped into the sea to save her. He suffered injuries to the chest and abdomen.
The three women were taken to the Sai Kung Marine Police Base for a checkup, but all were found to be in good health. An autopsy will take place to determine the cause of death.
