Strong currents cancel Hong Kong harbour race wave, 700 swimmers affected
The fourth wave of the Victoria Harbour Race's Leisure Group was cancelled on 15 November due to strong currents, affecting about 700 participants. Organisers announced refunds and are considering priority entry for next year's event.
The fourth wave of the Leisure Group in the Victoria Harbour Race was cancelled on Sunday morning because of strong currents, preventing about 700 participants from competing. Organisers announced that entry fees would be refunded.
Ronnie Wong Man-chiu, president of the Hong Kong China Swimming Association, apologised to the affected swimmers. He explained that organisers were required to clear and hand back the Victoria Harbour venue to the Marine Department by 10.30am, and deployed vessels to bring swimmers ashore safely.
Wong noted that the association had referenced weather and marine information provided by the authorities. He added that organisers were considering offering affected swimmers priority entry for next year's event, provided they meet the required fitness and performance standards.
A tourist from Shenzhen said she was recalled within minutes of entering the water. After waiting on a floating platform for about half an hour, staff officially announced the cancellation. Participants were then guided to board coaches heading to Tsim Sha Tsui.
While expressing regret over not finishing, the visitor praised the emergency response. She noted that staff distributed drinking water and added that the cancellation would not affect her impression of Hong Kong.