Around 20 firefighters, police officers and paramedics took about an hour to rescue a man on Friday evening, after he ran through a neighborhood in Hong Kong’s Eastern District unclothed before jumping into the sea.
A Coconuts reporter first spotted him running about near Fu Hong Street Pet Garden in Siu Sai Wan on Hong Kong Island at around 6pm.
He then ran toward the Siu Sai Wan Promenade, where he was seen by some eyewitnesses banging his head against a wall before jumping into the sea.
“He looked like he has some mental or emotional issues,” said an eyewitness.
Police, firefighters and paramedics arrived at the scene moments later, but the man could be heard refusing help.
Two police vessels and a lifeboat were deployed to rescue him.
It took them about an hour before they could get him on the lifeboat.
When they reached the shore, he was again heard refusing to get off the lifeboat.
It took a while before the firefighters and police officers were able to get him ashore.
The man did not appear to be injured.
Some residents of the neighborhood expressed worries over his behavior, while others were more concerned about his mental state.
“It’s not safe for him to run around like that in the neighborhood,” said one resident of Siu Sai Wan.
“While it’s not ideal for him to be flashing, I’m more concerned about his health and safety,” said another.
If you or someone you know need psychological support, please call any one of the following hotlines:
Caritas Family Crisis Support Centre
18288
Hospital Authority
2466 7350
Social Welfare Department
2343 2255
Suicide Prevention Services
2382 0000
The Samaritan Befrienders Hong Kong
2389 2222
The Samaritans (Multilingual)
2896 0000
