A Hong Kong couple who took their children storm chasing during Super Typhoon Ragasa last year was spared a criminal conviction of child neglect after agreeing to a HK$2,000 (US$255) bind-over order.
The country’s Eastern Court ruled Tuesday that they will have to forfeit the money if they fail to maintain good behavior for three years and could face harsher penalties for future child abuse offenses, the South China Morning Post reported.
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A general view of Eastern Law Courts Building in Hong Kong, China July 4, 2025. Photo by Reuters |
The 40-year-old father, surnamed Yen, and his 38-year-old wife, surnamed Li, were arrested earlier this year after bringing their children to a breakwater in Chai Wan residential area to watch the waves caused by Super Typhoon Ragasa on Sept. 23, 2025.
The Hong Kong Observatory raised the No. 10 typhoon warning signal that day and warned residents to stay away from coastal areas.
At about 3:10 p.m., a three-meter wave swept the mother and their five-year-old son into the sea as the family prepared to leave, prompting the father to jump into the water to rescue them but failed.
A nearby boatman later rescued the unconscious mother and son, who were taken to the intensive care unit at a nearby hospital.
The boy reportedly suffered aspiration pneumonia and multiple cuts and scratches to his head, chest and left leg. The couple’s nine-year-old daughter remained on shore and was not injured.
They have sinced refused police requests to interview their children.
Authorities said they currently have no plans to introduce fines for storm chasing or other dangerous behavior.
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