3 elderly Hong Kong hikers found after 12-hour search

Fire department called off operation at 11.05am after trio, all in their 70s, were located

Three elderly Hong Kong hikers who were reported missing in Sai Kung have been found following a rescue operation lasting more than 12 hours, according to authorities.

The Fire Services Department called off the operation at 11.05am on Tuesday after the trio, all in their 70s, were located. None required hospital treatment. A government helicopter had also been deployed during the early morning search.

Police said they received the initial report at 10.15pm on Monday from members of a hiking group, who noted that three people in their party had gone missing after setting off from Pak Lap Village that morning.

As the group members were not familiar with one another, they were unable to provide detailed information about the missing individuals, the force said.

It added that at about 4.50am on Tuesday, one of the missing hikers, a 76-year-old man surnamed Chan, was found in Pak Lap Village with scratches on his limbs.

Officers later located another missing man, a 73-year-old surnamed Mok, in Choi Wan Estate at around 10am.