Hong Kong parents charged with child abuse after son, 5, swept into sea during Super Typhoon Ragasa

2026-03-18 - 04:42

A Hong Kong couple whose five-year-old son was swept into the sea during Super Typhoon Ragasa have been granted bail after being charged with child abuse. Waves at a promenade in Heng Fa Chuen as Super Typhoon Ragasa hits Hong Kong on September 24, 2025. Photo: Kyle Lam/HKFP. The couple appeared at the Eastern Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday for the first mention and were granted bail of HK$2,000 each, local media reported. The case was adjourned until May 12. The two defendants – a 41-year-old man and a 38-year-old woman, identified by the initials YKK and LRQ, respectively – were charged with “ill-treatment or neglect by those in charge of child or young person” under the Offences Against the Person Ordinance. Upon conviction, the maximum penalty is 10 years in jail. According to a charge sheet, the parents are accused of wilfully ill-treating the boy in a manner likely to cause him unnecessary suffering or injury on September 23. Eastern Magistrates’ Courts. Photo: Kelly Ho/HKFP. The family of four went to Chai Wan to watch the waves as Ragasa neared Hong Kong and the T8 warning signal was in force. The mother and son were swept into the sea, prompting the father to jump into the water to try to save them. A boat operator rescued the mother and son, while firefighters saved the father. They were taken to Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital, where the mother and son were treated in the intensive care unit.