Secretary for Security Ambrose Lee expressed his full support to the government officers who left for Phuket on Thursday morning to expedite the search for Hong Kong citizens and to provide assistance to those stranded in areas affected by the tsunamis.

On behalf of the Chief Executive and Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Lee thanked the officers for their dedication to serving the Hong Kong community.

Meaningful mission: The Government contingent left for Phuket on Thursday morning. Secretary for Security Ambrose Li expressed his full support to the team at the airport (left); team members check communications equipment before departure (centre) and load rescue materials onto the plane.

"As the Chief Executive has said, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government will do everything possible to offer assistance to affected Hong Kong citizens and to arrange for them to return home as early as possible," Mr Lee said.

"I firmly believe that all of you will accomplish this most important task with professionalism," Mr Lee told team members before their departure from Hong Kong Airport.