The Hong Kong Museum of Coastal Defence, located in Shau Kei Wan, has garnered attention not only for its rich historical significance but also for the numerous reports of paranormal phenomena. This report delves into the history of the museum and explores the various supernatural occurrences that have been widely reported by visitors and staff alike.
The Hong Kong Museum of Coastal Defence is situated in the former Lei Yue Mun Fort, which was constructed by the British in 1887. The fort was strategically positioned to defend the eastern approaches to Victoria Harbour. Over the years, it played a crucial role in various military engagements, including the Battle of Hong Kong during World War II.
In 1993, the Urban Council decided to convert the fort into a museum, and it officially opened to the public on 25 July 2000. The museum underwent significant renovations and was reopened on 24 November 2022, after being closed for four years due to damage from Super Typhoon Mangkhut. The museum’s exhibits cover a wide range of historical periods, from the Ming Dynasty to the present day, highlighting the evolution of coastal defence in Hong Kong.
The Hong Kong Museum of Coastal Defence has been the subject of numerous reports of paranormal activity. These reports include sightings of apparitions, unexplained sounds, and other eerie experiences that have left visitors and staff intrigued and sometimes unsettled.
One of the most commonly reported phenomena at the museum is the sighting of apparitions and shadow figures. Visitors have described seeing ghostly figures dressed in old military uniforms, believed to be the spirits of soldiers who once served at the fort. These apparitions are often seen in the Redoubt, the central structure of the fort, which now houses several exhibition galleries.
Many visitors and staff have reported hearing unexplained sounds, such as footsteps, whispers, and even the distant sound of gunfire. These sounds are often heard in areas of the museum that were once active military zones, adding to the eerie atmosphere. Some have speculated that these sounds are residual energy from the fort’s tumultuous past.
Another frequently reported phenomenon is the sudden drop in temperature in certain areas of the museum. Visitors have described feeling cold spots, which are localised areas of cold air that cannot be explained by natural causes. These cold spots are often associated with paranormal activity and are believed to be the presence of spirits.
Several visitors have reported feeling an overwhelming sense of being watched while exploring the museum. This sensation is particularly strong in the underground tunnels and bunkers, where many soldiers lived and worked during the fort’s operational years. Some believe that the spirits of these soldiers still linger in these areas, watching over the museum’s visitors.
There have also been reports of objects moving on their own, such as doors opening and closing, and exhibits being found in different positions than where they were originally placed. These occurrences have been witnessed by both visitors and staff, leading to speculation that the spirits of the fort’s past inhabitants are still active within the museum.
The Hong Kong Museum of Coastal Defence is a site of significant historical importance, offering a glimpse into the military history of Hong Kong. However, it is also a place where the past seems to linger in more ways than one. The numerous reports of paranormal phenomena, from apparitions to unexplained sounds, add an intriguing layer to the museum’s already rich history.
