HONG KONG, China (AFP) — 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 on Wednesday.

The Lamma IV ferry sank after crashing with another vessel on 1 October 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 on Wednesday 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.

Both coxswains were jailed in 2015 as part of a criminal case and completed their sentences years ago.

Coroners in Hong Kong look into the cause and circumstances of death but have no authority to punish culprits.

The inquest spanned more than 40 days and called 84 witnesses, including those responsible for designing, building and certifying the Lamma IV.

Ryan Tsui, whose brother and niece died in the sinking, previously said he followed the case with “incredulity” as he said witnesses dodged responsibility.