Hong Kong third-generation tycoons brave the sea to help restore oysters, improve water quality

On a Wednesday night in October, a group of corporate executives took off their suits and jumped into the water at Repulse Bay on Hong Kong Island to escape their busy schedules.

But they lost their sense of direction in the murky water despite being experienced swimmers and having two headlamps.

“It’s actually pretty scary to swim at night,” said Dario Pong Chiu-yee, executive director of Shiu Wing Steel. “You cannot see anything, you see darkness.”

But Pong and the others could not let fear deter them, as they had to prepare for an unprecedented 80km (50 miles) marathon swim challenge.

The eight swimmers embarked on a 45km swim journey around Hong Kong Island on Saturday to raise funds for the Nature Conservancy’s oyster restoration programme, which helps improve marine water quality. They will also go on a 35km swim from Hoi Ha Wan to Clear Water Bay Beach on Sunday.

The challenge has already raised more than HK$1 million (US$128,640).