A six-person rowing boat was nearly struck by a yacht during the 41-kilometre Sai Kung Coastal Challenge on 26 September, prompting an investigation by the Marine Department. The crew were members of the Royal Hong Kong Yacht Club and were racing near a reservoir in Sai Kung.
A senior investment expert on the crew said in a social-media post that the yacht accelerated when it was about 100 metres away, pointed towards the rowing boat and passed at extremely close range. The account did not identify the yacht or its operator.
In footage published by HK01, the yacht travels at high speed on an almost head-on line before passing close to the rowing boat’s right side. Its wake destabilised the boat, causing the six rowers to pitch with the waves; no one fell overboard.
When asked, the Marine Department said its records showed no related report, but that it would investigate the incident proactively and take action under maritime law if it found that anyone had breached the law.