A 59-year-old participant in the 2026 Summer Triathlon Challenge died after going missing during the swimming leg of the competition amid an amber rainstorm warning, according to police and the South China Morning Post. Fire Services Department officers found the man following an extensive search.
Search and Rescue Operations at Tai Mei Tuk
Police told the South China Morning Post that Fire Services Department officers located the man at approximately 3.17 pm. Rescuers sent him to Alice Ho Miu Ling Nethersole Hospital in Tai Po, where medical staff pronounced him dead at 3.33 pm. Marine police and Fire Services Department divers deployed to the area after receiving an initial report at 7.57 am that a participant had entered the water during the swimming segment at Tai Mei Tuk Water Sports Centre and failed to resurface.
Weather Conditions During the Triathlon
According to the South China Morning Post, the missing man entered the water at around 6.12 am but did not return to shore. The Hong Kong Observatory had issued an amber rainstorm warning at 6.10 am—representing the lowest level in the territory’s three-tier system—signaling that squally thunderstorms were expected on Sunday morning. The participant entered the water just two minutes after the weather warning took effect.
Did you know? The Hong Kong Observatory uses a three-tier rainstorm warning system to alert the public to heavy rain and potential disruptions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time was the participant reported missing?
Police received a report at 7.57 am that the participant had entered the water and failed to resurface.
Which hospital treated the participant?
Rescuers transported the man to Alice Ho Miu Ling Nethersole Hospital in Tai Po, where he was pronounced dead.
When was the weather warning issued?
The Hong Kong Observatory issued the amber rainstorm warning at 6.10 am on Sunday.
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