Tragedy payouts extended

Overseas relatives of Hong Kong people injured or killed abroad are to be given financial assistance by the Government in response to the Manila Bay tragedy last year.

According to amendments to be gazetted today, divorced partners or overseas relatives of travellers involved in accidents can make claims to the Package Tour Accident Contingency Fund Scheme.

Previously, only spouses and relatives based in Hong Kong were granted the ex-gratia payments.

Seven Hong Kong tourists were killed in Manila Bay in August last year when an overloaded tourist boat capsized.

Executive director of the Hong Kong Travel Industry Council Joseph Tung Yao-chung welcomed the decision.