34 Hongkongers who sought help all safe

At least 34 Hongkongers sought help from the Immigration Department after the earthquake.

The department said all 34 were safe as of 8am yesterday and would be offered assistance.

EGL Tours said it will decide on arrangements for future Hualien tours by today.

Executive director Steven Huen Kwok-chuen told a radio program it currently has 11 tour groups of some 300 people in Taiwan.

The agency has six tour groups going to Hualien in April and May, with the soonest one to depart on April 16, but will notify customers of arrangements today.

Huen said 1,100 Hongkongers were left stuck on a cruise for three hours in waters off Japan as the earthquake triggered a tsunami warning in Okinawa. "The captain steered the cruise toward the deep ocean, which is safer," he said.

The cruise gradually docked at 2pm on Wednesday and passengers will return to Hong Kong today.

On the same program, Hong Kong Federation of Insurers chief Selina Lau Pui-ling reminded people to buy insurance soon after they book flights and hotels.