Story perspectives

Missing Door Blamed for 2012 Ship Sinking Tragedy

1/22/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Coroner Monica Chow Wai-choo said it was impractical to expect inspectors to identify a missing watertight door during ship's inspections.
Chow explained that Marine Department officers were not required to review structural drawings during annual surveys.
Relatives of 39 victims said missing door, designed by Cheoy Lee Shipyards, contributed to sinking on October 1, 2012.
Chow clarified the door was not mandatory when the vessel was built in the 1990s.

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Story summary

Coroner Monica Chow Wai-choo said it was impractical to expect inspectors to identify a missing watertight door during ship's inspections.
Chow explained that Marine Department officers were not required to review structural drawings during annual surveys.
Relatives of 39 victims said missing door, designed by Cheoy Lee Shipyards, contributed to sinking on October 1, 2012.
Chow clarified the door was not mandatory when the vessel was built in the 1990s.