Inquest into the Suspected Death of Zhongxian ZHENG

Delivered on: 24 August 2026

Delivered at: Perth

Finding of: Acting State Coroner Linton

Recommendations: Nil

Orders/Rules: N/A

Suppression Order: N/A

Summary:

Mr Zheng was a Chinese national employed as a cook on the Hong Kong registered bulk carrier vessel, Pacific Resource.

On 7 October 2024, the vessel departed Zhoushan China bound for Port Hedland. The ship had no cargo on the journey to Western Australia. The plan was for the ship to collect iron ore in Port Hedland and return to China. This was Mr Zheng’s first journey on the vessel.

On the morning of 17 October 2024, Mr Zheng failed to appear for his morning shift, having last been seen the previous evening leaving the ship’s laundry. A crew member knocked on Mr Zheng’s cabin door that morning. Mr Zheng was not in his cabin. The alarm was raised and a thorough search of the ship was conducted with no sign of Mr Zheng.

The Ship’s Master advised the Joint Rescue Coordination Centre in Canberra and the ship turned around and commenced a grid search. The Australian Maritime Authority jet searched the water by air. A total of 20 merchant vessels in the area also assisted in the search. The search was called off on 21 October 2024 with no sign of Mr Zheng.

The Acting State Coroner was satisfied beyond reasonable doubt that Mr Zheng died on or about 17 October 2024 and that Mr Zheng went overboard from the Pacific Resources vessel. The cause of death was unascertained. The Acting State Coroner made a finding that Mr Zheng died by way of accident. No recommendations were made.

Catch Words: Long Term Missing Person : Chinese national : Bulk carrier vessel : Drowning : Accident : Unascertained.

Last updated: 31 August 2026

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