72-Year-Old Hiker Missing for Two Days in Fo Tan Mountains, Family Fears Heatstroke
HK01 · 1 SOURCESabout 1 hour ago2 MIN
Summary
A 72-year-old man has been missing for two days after disappearing during a hike in Fo Tan, with his family increasingly worried about dehydration or heatstroke given the extreme heat. Tam Hing-man, an avid hiker with 30 years of experience, became separated from his hiking companions on Saturday morning, June 8. Rescue teams are conducting intensive searches in the area while authorities appeal for public assistance.
Key Points
- Tam Hing-man, 72, departed from his Tai Wai residence on Chun Yeung Estate Road around 9 a.m. on June 8 to hike with friends
- The group began their hike from Chun Yeung Estate in Fo Tan but lost contact near Sheung Kwai Tei San Tsuen
- Family reached him by phone at approximately 8 p.m. that evening; he said he was descending and could see Wong Chuk Yeung village before his phone died
- Last mobile signal was estimated near Best Peak in Fo Tan; his daughter expressed concern about dehydration in the extreme heat
- Search operations underway with Fire Services Department ground teams, Government Flying Service helicopter, and civil organization Hong Kong Watchers Service Corps
- Police described him as 1.73 meters tall, weighing 65 kilograms, with round face, yellow complexion, and short white hair; he was wearing a blue shirt, black shorts, and orange-white shoes while carrying a black backpack
- Police have set up gathering points at Au Pui Wan Street and Tat Yip Lane in Fo Tan for search coordination
Why It Matters
The prolonged search highlights the persistent risks of hiking alone in Hong Kong's steep terrain during summer months, when temperatures can quickly lead to dangerous dehydration. With the hiker's 30 years of experience proving insufficient protection against getting lost, authorities are urging hikers to carry fully charged phones and consider GPS devices when venturing into less trafficked trails.
The prolonged search highlights the persistent risks of hiking alone in Hong Kong's steep terrain during summer months, when temperatures can quickly lead to dangerous dehydration. With the hiker's 30 years of experience proving insufficient protection against getting lost, authorities are urging hikers to carry fully charged phones and consider GPS devices when venturing into less trafficked trails.