Law enforcement and emergency responders in Hong Kong initiated an urgent search operation Sunday after an 87-year-old man, who suffers from dementia, disappeared from the Tuen Mun area. The man, surnamed Leung, was last observed around 11 a.m. Saturday on Shek Pai Tau Road, prompting his family to report him missing. Search efforts, concentrated particularly near the slopes of Pineapple Mountain, intensified Sunday afternoon following the detection of a cell phone signal linked to Mr. Leung in the vicinity.
The family notified police of the disappearance Saturday morning. Initial data indicated that Mr. Leung’s mobile phone signal pinged near the hillside adjacent to Pineapple Mountain, shifting the focus of the search from the urban area to the rugged terrain. By approximately 2:30 p.m. Sunday, teams from the Fire Services Department convened at Leung King Estate, the location closest to the suspected area, before ascending the popular hiking route to conduct a systematic sweep of the slopes.
Volunteer Groups Aid Intensive Hillside Search
The complexity of the search is heightened by Mr. Leung’s medical condition. According to The Hong Kong Guardians (The Volunteers), a community assistance organization involved in the operation, Mr. Leung has dementia, which significantly increases the risk factors associated with being outdoors alone, especially in challenging environments.
“When an individual with dementia goes missing, time is critical,” explained a representative from the group. “They may become easily disoriented, unable to recall their name, or unable to seek help, particularly in unfamiliar or difficult terrains like a mountain slope.”
Mr. Leung was last known to be wearing a distinctive black-and-white camouflage jacket and black trousers. Volunteer organizations, including The Hong Kong Guardians, are actively coordinating efforts to deploy trained civilian teams to bolster the official efforts. Their involvement is crucial for thoroughly covering the expansive and sometimes treacherous hillside area off Tuen Mun.
Key Safety Takeaways for Families
This unfortunate event underscores the persistent challenge of managing the safety of vulnerable, elderly individuals, particularly those with conditions like Alzheimer’s or dementia.
Experts recommend several proactive measures:
- Implement Tracking Technology: Smartwatches or wearable GPS tracking devices can provide real-time location data, which is far more reliable than relying solely on a cell phone signal.
- Establish a Routine: Maintain a consistent daily routine to minimize confusion and reduce the likelihood of wandering.
- Inform Neighbors: Alert trusted neighbors and building management about the condition, providing a recent photograph and contact information.
- Enroll in Programs: Utilize local services that offer identification bracelets or recognition systems designed specifically for individuals with cognitive impairments.
The search near Pineapple Mountain remains ongoing as officials and volunteers work against daylight constraints and the rugged landscape to locate Mr. Leung safely. Authorities urge anyone who may have seen an individual matching Mr. Leung’s description in the Tuen Mun or Pineapple Mountain area to contact the police immediately. The focus remains on thorough coverage of the hillside, utilizing all available resources.