A climbing instructor is urging hikers to always check the weather forecast and carry basic safety gear, following the rescue of a 79-year-old man who went missing during a trek in Tuen Mun.

Conway Leung, a mountaincraft and rock-climbing instructor, shared the advice on an RTHK radio programme on Tuesday, after police located the missing man, He Chengan, the day before.

The 79-year-old had been missing since Saturday, when he became separated from his wife during a rainstorm.

Rescuers located him on Monday on a slope near a temple on Section No. 10 of the MacLehose Trail in Tai Lam Country Park.

According to Leung, the trail section that the couple chose is generally considered very easy, consisting mainly of concrete roads that are safe for casual walkers.

However, he noted that the day they went hiking saw severe weather, including an amber rainstorm warning.

“Hikers shouldn’t even be walking on high ground in such weather," Leung said.

"People run the risk of being struck by lightning even in low areas.

"It was cold with heavy rain, and he had no gear. At his age, a slip is very easy.”

Leung stressed that all hikers – especially those unfamiliar with Hong Kong’s terrain – should always check the forecast before setting out.

“In April, it’s very humid and rainy. You can’t enjoy the view anyway. There are plenty of malls to walk around in. Why hike in such heavy rain?" he said.

Leung also pointed out that simple equipment could have made a critical difference, noting that if the man had carried a whistle or a mobile phone, rescue efforts would have been much faster.

“Even with no battery, police can locate your phone,” he said. “A whistle would have saved him the trouble of having to shout for two nights.”

Other basic essentials include a rain jacket and sufficient water, Leung added.

“It’s not about age – it’s about attitude and preparation,” he said.

The climber also reminded hikers to never split up from companions and to always keep one another in sight.



Edited by Robert Kemp