Latest news with #GovernmentFlyingService
South China Morning Post
2 days ago
- Climate
- South China Morning Post
Why did a Hong Kong government aircrew risk chasing after Typhoon Wipha?
Hong Kong was able to collect critical information on Typhoon Wipha thanks to a three-strong government aircrew that flew close to the tropical cyclone's centre to deploy seven meteorological data detectors, despite the adverse weather and communication troubles. Just a day before Wipha hit Hong Kong and triggered a seven-hour No 10 hurricane signal, the Government Flying Service crew steered a Challenger 605 plane to approach the typhoon on Saturday afternoon. Their mission: to deploy dropsondes, cylindrical weather devices packed with sensors, and equipped with parachutes, to collect data on the typhoon's wind speed, wind direction, air pressure and humidity on behalf of the Hong Kong Observatory. The wind speed at the centre of the typhoon was around 110km/h (68mph) at the time. 'Dropsondes are the most important parts of the mission,' said Jeffrey Chan Kin-hang, an assistant manager for flight safety with the service who acted as the mission's air crewman officer. 'If they do not work properly, the whole mission will fail.'
South China Morning Post
18-06-2025
- Climate
- South China Morning Post
Hong Kong hiker, 69, dies after collapsing on Wilson Trail
A 69-year-old hiker has died after collapsing on Hong Kong's Wilson Trail in Tsz Wan Shan. Advertisement The man, surnamed Ho, was found lying unconscious by hikers at around 9.13am on Wednesday on Section 5 of the trail. According to police, paramedics found Ho unresponsive. The Government Flying Service then dispatched a helicopter to airlift him to Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at 10.59am despite resuscitation efforts. Temperatures on Wednesday ranged between 28 and 32 degrees Celsius (82.4 and 86.9 Fahrenheit), accompanied by high humidity levels between 70 and 90 per cent. The weather is mainly cloudy with isolated showers, as well as hot and sunny intervals in the afternoon. The about 8km long Wilson Trail Section 5 begins at Lion Pavilion on Sha Tin Pass Road, between Lion Rock and Tsz Wan Shan. The trail first passes through Shap Yi Wat and then connects to the aqueduct of Beacon Hill before ending at the Tai Po Road exit. Advertisement
South China Morning Post
25-05-2025
- South China Morning Post
Hong Kong helicopter rescues 3 women after Big Wave Bay coastal hike turns perilous
Three women were rescued at Hong Kong's Big Wave Bay on Sunday after one sustained injuries when she fell into the sea while exploring the rocky coast, while her two companions were left stranded on a cliff edge. Fireboats and marine police were dispatched to the scene after police received a report at 2.34pm that the coasteering trip by the three foreign women turned perilous near Kwun Yam Shan at Big Wave Bay in Southern district. A Government Flying Service helicopter was called, airlifting the injured woman, who was conscious with facial swelling and abrasions, to Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital for treatment. The helicopter then returned to take the remaining two women to the heliport near Golden Bauhinia Square in Wan Chai. The force is investigating the case. Coasteering is an activity that involves navigating along a coastline, staying as close to the waterline as possible, often combining climbing, swimming and cliff jumps.
South China Morning Post
19-05-2025
- South China Morning Post
Missing woman, 72, found on Hong Kong's Kowloon Peak by rescue team
An elderly woman was found on Hong Kong's Kowloon Peak by a rescue team on Monday morning, a day after her family reported her missing. Advertisement Police said the woman, aged 72, was discovered in a conscious state on the mountain, which is also known as Fei Ngo Shan. She was reported missing by her family after she left her home in Ngau Tau Kok in eastern Kowloon on Sunday. Authorities mobilised a rescue team and brought in the Government Flying Service that same day, with the search also covering areas near the local cemetery in Diamond Hill.
