On March 29, the Police received a report that a family of four lost their way whilst hiking along an unnamed path and were trapped near Tai Tam Reservoir on Violet Hill. Officers of the Regional Rural Patrol Unit of Emergency Unit Hong Kong Island (RRPU EU HKI) were then deployed to carry out a rescue operation.

Officers of the RRPU EU HKI have thorough understanding about the rural landscape on Hong Kong Island and instantly realised the challenge posed by the notorious terrain at the area. The officers reformed into two four-men teams and immediately started a search and rescue operation.

Recounting the incident, an officer of the RRPU EU HKI said, “Having confirmed the location of the family with the positioning system on a mobile application, the first rescue team quickly headed towards the grid reference position, bringing along minimal necessary kits. At the same time, the second rescue team, which acted in a supporting role carrying search equipment, first-aid kits, drinking water and food, etc., started a sweeping within a radius range of 100 metres of the target location.”

The area was full of thorns and twinning vines which turned muddy and slippery after raining, with insects and spider nets around, covered with fallen branches and rotten leaves. But that did not deter the rescue teams. “We located the family after just 25 minutes. Having initially checked and treated them, we confirmed their conditions were not bad. We were relieved.”

The officers then split into two teams again - some taking care of the family and some looking for a way out. After a recce, they unanimously decided to carry the children on their backs uphill to a safe place before getting to a main road. Despite all the twists and turns, they completed the mission safe and sound.

The officers said, “Everyone was tired and covered with mud, while some of us even had scratch marks made by thorns. However, all these pain were gone when the two children looked back at us after getting into a taxi. We all smiled and waved goodbye to them.”

Amid the outbreak of COVID-19, hiking has become an increasingly popular activity and the number of related accidents has shown an upward trend. The Police remind members of the public that apart from making route plans and preparing sufficient supplies prior to hiking, they should always avoid venturing onto unmaintained paths.