A police drone using thermal imaging located a lost hiker in Pat Sin Leng Country Park about half an hour into a search. Rescuers found the 41-year-old man in woodland about 40 metres from the trail and completed the rescue within an hour.
The man had set out alone and become lost. Police and the Hong Kong Fire Services Department began a joint search after the police 999 reporting centre received a report at 4.51pm that he was too exhausted to continue and needed help.
The drone detected him and broadcast a message to check whether he was conscious, while alerting rescuers on the ground. After initial treatment, he was evacuated by the Government Flying Service.
Police urged hikers to go with companions, download the HKSOS app and enable its location function during outdoor activities.