Emergency services in Hong Kong are continuing a large-scale search operation for a 59-year-old triathlete who went missing during the swimming portion of a competition in Tai Po on Sunday morning.
Authorities said the man entered the water during the 2026 Summer Triathlon Challenge at the Tai Mei Tuk Water Sports Centre but failed to return to shore, prompting an immediate rescue response.
Police reported receiving an emergency call at approximately 7:57 a.m. regarding a male participant who had disappeared during the swimming segment of the race.
According to information gathered from the event, the athlete entered the water at around 6:12 a.m. and was later found to be missing after he did not complete the course within the expected time.
The incident occurred shortly after the Hong Kong Observatory issued an amber rainstorm warning at 6:10 a.m. The warning was accompanied by forecasts of thunderstorms, heavy rainfall, and frequent lightning across parts of the city.
The amber rainstorm signal is the first level in Hong Kong’s three-tier rainstorm warning system and alerts residents to potentially hazardous weather conditions.
Weather officials reported that more than 30 millimeters of rain fell across most areas of Hong Kong during the morning. Some districts recorded rainfall exceeding 50 millimeters.
Following reports that the participant was missing, emergency services launched a coordinated search operation in the waters surrounding the competition venue.
Marine Police vessels were deployed to search the area, while divers from the Fire Services Department entered the water to conduct underwater searches.
Rescue teams continued their efforts throughout the day as authorities worked to locate the missing athlete.
The event was organized by the Triathlon Association of Hong Kong China. In a statement released through its official channels, the organization confirmed that a male participant in the 55 to 59 age category did not complete the swimming leg of the race within the expected time frame.
Organizers said emergency procedures were activated immediately after concerns were raised about the participant’s whereabouts.
The association stated that it contacted relevant government departments and fully cooperated with rescue authorities once the situation became apparent.
Officials said they remain deeply concerned about the incident and will continue assisting emergency services while providing updates as more information becomes available.
The search has drawn attention to safety procedures for outdoor sporting events during periods of unstable weather.
According to the event’s published inclement weather policy, races are automatically canceled if Typhoon Signal No. 8 or higher is issued by midday on the day before the competition.
The policy also states that events will be called off if Typhoon Signal No. 3, a red rainstorm warning, or a black rainstorm warning remains in force two hours before the start of the first race wave.
At the time the competition began, only an amber rainstorm warning was in effect. Under the event’s guidelines, that warning level did not require automatic cancellation.
Triathlon competitions typically include swimming, cycling, and running segments. Organizers often implement safety measures such as water monitoring, rescue boats, medical teams, and weather assessments to reduce risks during events.
However, changing weather conditions can create additional challenges for athletes and race officials, particularly during open-water swimming segments.
Authorities have not indicated whether weather conditions contributed to the disappearance, and no conclusions have been reached regarding the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Investigations are expected to continue alongside the search and rescue effort.
Tai Mei Tuk is a popular location for water sports and outdoor activities in Hong Kong. The area regularly hosts rowing, sailing, cycling, and endurance sporting events because of its open water facilities and surrounding recreational infrastructure.
As of Sunday evening, rescue teams remained at the scene conducting search operations.
Officials have urged the public to avoid speculation while emergency personnel continue their efforts to locate the missing participant.
The search remains ongoing, and authorities are expected to provide additional information once new developments become available.
