Storm-watching parents during Typhoon Ragasa placed on 3-year bind-over

A couple who took their two children storm-chasing in Chai Wan during Super Typhoon Ragasa last year faced a joint charge of child neglect.

Today, they're spared a criminal conviction after prosecutors agreed to resolve the case with a bind-over order.

The case happened on September 23rd last year.

At around 3 p.m. that day, as the family was set to leave, waves swept the mother and the five-year-old son into the sea. The father jumped into the water trying to save them, leaving the daughter alone on the shore. The trio were later rescued by a nearby boatman.

The mother was once in a critical condition.

At the Eastern Magistrates' Courts this morning, the 41-year-old father and 38-year-old mother, on the joint charge of child neglect, were placed on a three-year bind-over of 2,000 dollars.

Under the bind-over, if they commit similar offences again, they will face harsher penalties.