2012 ferry crash ruled 'unlawful killing'

A Hong Kong ferry collision in which 39 people died more than a decade ago was an unlawful killing, according to a long-awaited court ruling yesterday.

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The Lamma IV ferry sank after crashing with another vessel on Oct 1, 2012, killing 31 adults and eight children in what became the Chinese city's deadliest maritime disaster since 1971.

‘A judge-led commission later found “a litany of errors” related to the Lamma IV, including a missing bulkhead door which contributed to the ferry sinking within two minutes.

The coroner’s court held an inquest last year following a lawsuit brought by victim representatives.

Coroner Monica Chow said yesterday that the crash happened because of gross negligence by the coxswain from each vessel.

“I find each of the 39 deceased was killed unlawfully,’ she said.