North Point ferry captain falls into sea, hospitalized
Bastillepost · 2 SOURCESabout 2 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
A marine accident was reported at North Point (West) Ferry Pier on the morning of August 8, when a 63-year-old ferry captain fell into the sea while getting off a ferry. Police received the report at about 9:06am, after pier staff or the person in charge alerted authorities to the incident. Initial police findings indicated he apparently lost footing or balance because of strong wind and waves during disembarkation. He was rescued by colleagues, assisted ashore by firefighters, and sent conscious to Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital for treatment.
Key Points
- The incident happened at North Point (West) Ferry Pier at about 9:06am on August 8, when police received a report of a person overboard.
- The man who fell into the water was a 63-year-old ferry captain; Sing Tao identified his surname as Cheng
- Police said initial inquiries suggested he accidentally fell into the sea while stepping ashore from a ferry in strong wind and waves.
- Colleagues pulled the captain from the water before firefighters helped bring him safely back onto the pier.
- He remained conscious after the rescue and was taken to Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital for treatment.
Why It Matters
The case underlines how quickly routine pier operations can turn dangerous when wind and wave conditions worsen, especially during boarding and disembarkation. For Hong Kong readers, it is a reminder that waterfront work carries immediate safety risks even when an incident is resolved without reported loss of consciousness.