A SWIMMER drowned yesterday in Hong Kong and another was left in critical condition as they took part in the city’s annual cross-harbor swim, which attracts world-class international competitors.

    Local media said the man who died was rushed to hospital after being pulled unconscious from the water by a rescue boat. He was reported to be in his 40s.

    A woman thought to be in her 60s was separately pulled unconscious from the water and is reported to be in intensive care in hospital.

    The 1,500-meter race saw around 3,000 people swim between two piers on opposite sides of Hong Kong’s famous harbor — 500 up from the previous year according to reports.

    Some local media questioned why only 10 extra lifeguards had been added when the field had expanded so much.

    There was a total of 120 lifeguards at the event, local broadcaster RTHK reported on its website.

    American swimmer Charles Peterson won the men’s title in just 16 minutes 44 seconds this year.

    Rio Olympics 10-kilometer open water gold medalist Sharon van Rouwendaal from the Netherlands took the women’s crown. (SD-Agencies)