Hong Kong: A swimmer drowned Sunday in Hong Kong and another was left in critical condition as they took part in the city's annual cross-harbour 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 forties. 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-metre race saw around 3,000 people swim between two piers on opposite sides of Hong Kong's famous harbour -- 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, broadcaster RTHK reported on its website.