Hong Kong Teen Found Alive in Country Park After 7-Day Ordeal
A 17-year-old Hong Kong teenager has been found alive and is currently recovering in the hospital after spending seven days lost in a country park. The boy’s mother, Amy Chan, expressed her gratitude to everyone who played a role in bringing her son home safely. She attributed his survival to his strong willpower.
Matthew Tsang Hin-chit, a student at Diocesan Boys’ School in Mong Kok, went missing on October 4 after leaving the campus. He managed to survive in the woods by drinking water from a stream and relying on his strong willpower. According to his mother, the inclement weather over the weekend left him thoroughly soaked, prompting him to take off his clothes and seek shelter in the bushes.
The search effort involved hundreds of police, firefighters, and volunteers who scoured Ma On Shan Country Park, Tsang’s last known location. Despite the challenges posed by Typhoon Koinu, the rescue team utilized drones and artificial intelligence tools to locate Tsang. Over 10,000 photos were taken to analyze the landscape, identifying temporary shelters, water sources, and areas with thicker foliage.
On Wednesday afternoon, firefighters found Tsang hiding in undergrowth about 100 meters from a hiking trail near Lo Shue Tin inside the park. He was shirtless and without trousers or shoes. Authorities reported that he was in a stable physical and mental condition.
Amy Chan expressed her deep appreciation to all those involved in the rescue effort, including government officers, volunteers, students, and parents from Diocesan Boys’ School, as well as the general public. She was deeply moved by the warmth and love demonstrated by the people of Hong Kong throughout this incident.
As of Thursday morning, Matthew Tsang remained in hospital, receiving treatment. Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital confirmed that he was in a stable condition. The teenager is expected to make a full recovery.
This heartwarming story highlights the importance of community support and collaboration during times of crisis. The relentless efforts of the search team, coupled with technological advancements, ultimately led to Matthew Tsang’s safe return. It serves as a reminder that hope and resilience can triumph even in the face of adversity.
