Hong Kong police find body of former High Court judge on rocks off Lantau
Officers say it will take some time to recover body of John Rhind as it is in an isolated place; the retired judge disappeared after hiking at night
After a comprehensive air, land and sea search by marine and Lantau South police, the body was spotted on remote rocks on a headland near Shui Hau.
Police said recovering it may take several hours as the water there is too shallow for the marine launch and the area is difficult to access on foot. “Where it is, it will take some time to reach him,” police said.
Rhind’s daughter, Helen, a Singapore-based solicitor, flew to Hong Kong on Wednesday morning as soon as she heard her 80-year-old father had gone missing from his Pui O home.
She said she and her mother Nancy, 91, were devastated by the news. “We had been hoping for the best but fearing the worst,” she told the Post.
Rhind was a passionate hill walker, especially at night, but took only his walking stick and identity card when he disappeared. His wife raised the alarm at 11pm when he failed to return.
Lantau residents put up posters and immediately joined in the search. Helen said she could not thank the local community enough for their efforts.
“My mother and I would like to say a massive thanks to everyone on Lantau and all across Hong Kong, and especially the police, for their help in looking for my father,” she said.
“It has made such a difference to mum and me at this dreadful time, knowing everyone was out searching. A very big thank you,” she added.
Rhind loved Lantau and knew the hilly countryside very well. Originally from Farnborough in England, he came to work in Hong Kong in 1965 and retired as a High Court judge in 1994.
