Three members of a family, including a five-year-old boy, was rescued after they fell into the sea on Tuesday when they were watching the waves in Chai Wan.

The incident took place at about 3pm when the parents and their son, along with their nine-year-old daughter, were near the shore near Ka Yip Street.

The mother and the boy fell into the sea.

The father jumped into the water and tried to save them.

A sampan nearby rescued the mother and the son, while the father was plucked to safety by firefighters.

The trio were sent to Eastern Hospital where the mother and the boy remained unconscious in the intensive care unit.

Deputy chief fire officer Fok Chun-ming called on people not to engage in dangerous activities during a storm.

“I appeal to the public that they should not underestimate the power of nature. Even if we can carry out a rescue operation in a short time, the power of nature is immense," Fok said.

"We call on citizens not to engage in life-threatening activities, nor to chase the winds and waves under this extreme weather. Please stay in a safe place."