The Coroner’s Court on Wednesday ruled that 39 people who died in one of Hong Kong’s worst maritime disasters were unlawfully killed.

The inquest into the 2012 Lamma ferry collision was held from May to September last year, with 84 witnesses taking the stand to give evidence.

The Lamma IV, which had more than 120 passengers on board for the National Day fireworks display, collided with the Sea Smooth catamaran off Lamma on October 1, 2012.

The Sea Smooth remained afloat and continued its journey, but the Lamma IV sank within minutes.

Among the major points of contention during the 44-day inquiry was whether the absence of a watertight door between the compartments of the ferry that carried the 39 deceased had been deliberate.