Final group of swimmers in cross-harbour swimming event cancelled

The Hong Kong Cross Harbour Race held at Wan Chai this morning had to cancel its final leisure group event due to strong currents for the first time in the race's history, affecting some 700 swimmers.

The event organiser stresses there will be entry fees refunds for those affected.

This as around 135 people sustained minor injuries throughout the event.

The cross-harbour race kicked off at 7:30am with waves of swimmers taking the plunge from the starting point at Wan Chai's Golden Bauhinia Square by group.

Just like previous years, the route stretches for around one kilometre with the end point located at the Avenue of Stars in Tsim Sha Tsui.

Competitive events were held first, with Hong Kong Swimming Team representatives Keith Sin and Nip Tsz-yin securing gold for the men's and women's events.

Sin said the water's temperature was just right and did not feel cold at all, adding the whole race was perfect.

While Nip said she was really happy about the race and just swam in a straight line to the finish line.

This as swimmers in the event's leisure groups took off afterwards.

Participants in such groups must be aged 12 years or above, with a total of 3,700 slots split between four groups.

However, at around 9am, strong currents began affecting the event, with some swimmers nearly swept away to the Tsim Sha Tsui Ferry Pier.

Event organisers began instructing other swimmers to return to shore, while large crowds waited for further instructions on the starting platform.

40 minutes later, it was announced the event had to be cancelled due to safety concerns, with some swimmers venting their frustration.

This woman could not believe the news, stressing she only slept for three hours before the event.

She further noted how difficult it was to gather five to six others to join her in the race.

While this woman said she felt unwell because of how long she had to wait on the starting platform, and asked whether the event organisers will offer a refund.

This as Hong Kong China Swimming Association President Ronnie Wong apologised to the 700 affected swimmers, emphasising refunds will be made to those affected.

He also said considerations will be made to give affected swimmers registration priority in next year's race.