A hiker was critically injured on Sunday after falling from a cliff on an uninhabited island in eastern Hong Kong waters known for its geological features.
The 57-year-old expatriate was exploring North Ninepin Island with companions, who called authorities for help at about 10.40am.
He was said to have fallen about four metres near a scenic landmark commonly known as “Big Cannon Rock,” a gigantic hexagonal column rising horizontally from the east coast cliff of North Ninepin Island, part of the Ninepin Group or Kwo Chau Islands.
The Government Flying Service deployed a helicopter to the site and located the man, who was conscious but had a bleeding head and a broken heel, a police spokesman said.
The man was airlifted to Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital in Chai Wan.
He had been listed as being critically injured, but his condition improved to stable on Sunday night.
A significant part of the Hong Kong Unesco Global Geopark, the Ninepin Group of islands, comprising two larger islands and 27 smaller ones, are renowned for their striking hexagonal rock columns and dramatic sea caves.
The uninhabited archipelago, created from volcanic hexagonal rock formations, lies 15km southeast of Sai Kung and is popular for geological exploration and boat tours.
