Helicopter rescues Singaporean teenager after illness on Lion Rock hike
Thestandard · 2 SOURCESabout 3 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
A 17-year-old Singaporean university student was rescued by helicopter from Lion Rock after falling seriously ill during a sunrise hike on Saturday morning. The Government Flying Service airlifted the teenager, who had been overcome by cold and vomiting near the 495-metre summit, to Ruttonjee Hospital in Wan Chai for treatment. She was conscious throughout the rescue operation and is expected to recover.
Key Points
- The 17-year-old Singaporean, enrolled at Hong Kong Polytechnic University, set out from Tsz Wan Shan at around 5am with two 17-year-old female classmates to watch the sunrise
- Police received a report at about 6:50am from the mother of one hiker after the teenager vomited and experienced severe chills at the mountain peak
- Government Flying Service deployed a rescue helicopter to winch the conscious teenager from near Lion Rock's summit to Ruttonjee Hospital
- The victim told Sing Tao Headline this was her first attempt at hiking Lion Rock and she had not brought adequate warm clothing
- The other two hikers sustained no injuries and returned home safely after the rescue operation
Why It Matters
The incident highlights the risks of underprepared hiking excursions on Hong Kong's popular mountain trails, particularly during cooler months when temperatures at elevated summits can drop significantly . The successful rescue underscores the critical role of the Government Flying Service's rapid response capabilities in protecting both residents and visitors who venture into the city's Country Parks.
The incident highlights the risks of underprepared hiking excursions on Hong Kong's popular mountain trails, particularly during cooler months when temperatures at elevated summits can drop significantly . The successful rescue underscores the critical role of the Government Flying Service's rapid response capabilities in protecting both residents and visitors who venture into the city's Country Parks.