Disney Puppeteer Dies After Sai Kung Boating Tragedy
SingTao · 1 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
A 58-year-old man surnamed Leung drowned near Jin Island in Sai Kung after entering the water during a leisure boating trip and encountering suddenly rough seas, according to accounts from relatives and a companion . He was taken to hospital but did not survive, and grieving family members later gathered there to learn what happened and mourn him . His elder brother said Leung was a puppeteer at Hong Kong Disneyland, operating large character puppets on parade floats, and had served there since the resort opened in 2005 . Disneyland said it was deeply saddened by the death and would do its best to support the family through the difficult period .
Key Points
- The victim was a 58-year-old man surnamed Leung who drowned near Sai Kung's Jin Island after being caught in heavy waves while swimming .
- His elder brother said Leung could swim, had many years of snorkeling experience, was single, childless, and had only high blood pressure .
- The brother said Leung had worked at Hong Kong Disneyland since its 2005 opening as a puppeteer on parade floats .
- Relatives said the trip was not a company function but a private day off outing with close colleagues and other friends .
- A companion said waves suddenly rose to around one to two metres, prompting calls to return, before Leung was apparently dragged away .
Why It Matters
The case highlights how quickly sea conditions can change during recreational outings around Hong Kong's outlying islands, even for swimmers with experience . It also drew public attention because the deceased had spent two decades in a behind-the-scenes creative role at Hong Kong Disneyland, prompting the resort to publicly offer support to his family .