Search under way for missing cruise passenger off Hong Kong mega bridge
Review of on-board security footage led the vessel’s operator to suspect the man had fallen into the sea during the voyage
Hong Kong authorities have launched a search in waters west of the city for a man believed to have fallen overboard from a sightseeing vessel travelling between Shekou and the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge.
The operator of the cruise, which had departed from Shekou in neighbouring Shenzhen for a sightseeing trip of the mega bridge, reported the incident at around 3pm on Tuesday after crew members realised the passenger was missing upon returning to shore.
A review of on-board security footage led the operator to suspect the man had fallen into the sea during the voyage.
In response, Hong Kong authorities deployed marine police, fire services and helicopters to Tuen Mun’s Hau Hoi Wan, near the Lung Kwu Tan power station, to assist in the search along the maritime boundary.
Spanning about 55km, the mega bridge is one of the region’s most prominent landmarks and a major attraction for sightseeing cruises. Journeys typically last 120 to 180 minutes, during which passengers are permitted onto the open deck.
As of 7pm, search operations were ongoing with no sign of the passenger reported.