Inquest into the Suspected Death of Tanghui HUANG
Inquest into the Suspected Death of Tanghui HUANG
Delivered on : 8 January 2025
Delivered at : Perth
Finding of : Deputy State Coroner Linton
Recommendations : N/A
Orders/Rules : N/A
Suppression Order : N/A
Summary : Tanghui Jeng was last known to be alive on the morning of 21 April 2012. He was working as a crewmember on an international bulk carrier vessel and was last seen by other crewmembers painting some equipment on the forward deck at ll.30 am. When Mr Jeng did attend the ship’s mess for lunch at noon, other crewmembers went to check on him. He was no longer on the forward deck and a thorough search of the vessel did not locate him.
At the time of Mr Jeng’s disappearance, the vessel was travelling down the WA coastline. The ship had departed China on 8 April 2012 and was destined for Esperance. When the Australian authorities were notified by the Captain of Mr Jeng’s disappearance, a marine and aerial search was conducted. Mr Jeng was not located, but a spotter in a plane saw a yellow object in the water that was thought to be the yellow safety/hard hat Mr Jeng was wearing at the time he was last seen. However, the object could not be recovered from the water, so it could not be confirmed.
When the vessel berthed in Esperance, local police officers went to the ship and interviewed a large number of crew members. The evidence obtained indicates that Mr Jeng had been experiencing some insomnia and possible mental health issues. He had been given reduced duties and placed on day time shifts only, in order to ensure that he could be monitored by other crew members. After his disappearance, some notes were found in his room that suggested he was struggling with personal/family issues. The police found no evidence to suggest another person was involved in Mr Jeng’s disappearance.
A recent police review obtained no additional relevant evidence. The WA Police investigation concluded it appeared Mr Jeng either fell by accident, or deliberately jumped, into the ocean on 21 April 2012. Due to the height from the deck to the water, it is likely Mr Jeng died from injuries sustained in the fall, although it is also possible he survived the fall but then drowned in the water.
The Acting State Coroner was satisfied beyond reasonable doubt that Mr Jeng is deceased. The cause of death was unascertained and the Acting State Coroner made an open finding as to the manner of death. The Coroner did not make any recommendations.
Catch Words : Long Term Missing Person : International Fishing Vessel : Man Overboard : Open Finding
Last updated: 21 February 2025