Sai Kung Hiker Rescue Operation: Three Hospitalized With Heat Exhaustion, One Remains Critical

Hong Kong—Government Flying Service helicopters airlifted three hikers suffering from severe heat-related illnesses from a remote trail near Sai Kung Country Park on October 5, 2026. Emergency services received a distress call shortly after midday when one member of the hiking group collapsed unconscious along an exposed ridge trail.

Flight crews located the group near West Wan Chai, deploying aircrew officers via winch to stabilize the hikers on the rugged terrain. Paramedics transported all three individuals to Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital in Chai Wan for emergency treatment.

Hospital spokespersons confirmed a 42-year-old male hiker remains in critical condition in the intensive care unit after suffering severe heatstroke and organ distress. The remaining two hikers, aged 38 and 45, received treatment for acute heat exhaustion and severe dehydration before being placed under medical observation in stable condition.

Temperatures in the Sai Kung district exceeded 33 degrees Celsius during peak hours, with high humidity pushing heat index values significantly higher along unshaded coastal paths. Wildfire and rescue teams noted that the group had exhausted their drinking water supplies hours before reaching the nearest exit point.

Police officers at the staging site logged the group's planned route from Wong Shek Pier toward Wan Chai Peninsula. Emergency responders emphasized that steep gradient climbs combined with direct sun exposure rapidly accelerated physical exhaustion among the group members.

"Our aircrew winch personnel deployed directly to the ridge line to administer immediate cooling protocols before winching the unconscious casualty onboard," a Government Flying Service flight officer reported at the landing pad.

Civil Aid Service personnel patrolled major trailheads throughout the afternoon, distributing water and advising unequipped walkers to turn back. Forestry officers checked warning signs posted at park entrances highlighting high ambient temperatures and steep trail hazards.

Police opened an incident file to log the rescue sequence and contact the critical patient's family members. Health officials reiterated warnings for outdoor workers and recreational hikers to avoid strenuous physical exertion during peak afternoon thermal hours.