Po Toi Wan reservation system launch overshadowed by heatstroke rescue; 63-year-old hiker evacuated by helicopter
HK01 · 5 SOURCES1 day ago5 MIN
Summary
The Po Toi Wan section of the Manila Geological Trail in Sai Kung launched its timed-entry reservation system on Saturday, but the inaugural day was marked by a medical emergency. A 63-year-old man identified as Cheung fell ill with suspected heatstroke near the viewing platform and was rescued by a Government Flying Service helicopter, being airlifted to Wan Chai before being taken to Ruttonjee Hospital. The first day of the new system saw approximately 1,800 people make reservations but only about 900 actually checked in, prompting authorities to release additional spots on the spot.
Key Points
- A 63-year-old man, surnamed Cheung (張), set out from East Dam at around 11am with his wife and a friend, heading toward the Po Toi Wan viewing platform .
- At approximately 3pm, Cheung developed suspected heatstroke symptoms near the viewing platform; his wife called emergency services at 3:28pm .
- The Government Flying Service dispatched a helicopter that located Cheung, who remained conscious; he was hoisted and transported to the Wan Chai helipad, then taken by ambulance to Ruttonjee Hospital .
- The reservation system took effect today, with 2,000 total spots available from 9am to 5pm, divided into 500-person slots every two hours; walk-ins remain permitted outside these windows .
- About 1,800 people made reservations for today, but only around 900 actually checked in, including walk-in registrations; the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) released quotas on-site to accommodate visitors .
Why It Matters
The heatstroke incident highlights the health risks hikers face along the exposed coastal trail, even as authorities implement visitor management measures. As the trial period runs through the Mid-Autumn Festival and National Day Golden Week holidays, authorities will need to balance crowd control with ensuring adequate emergency response capabilities at this popular geological attraction .