Inquest into the Suspected Death of Hok Cheun HOU

57y · Male·Unknown cause; likely drowning or injuries sustained when entering the water

Hok Cheun Hou, a 57-year-old Hong Kong national working as a general steward on the Coral Princess, disappeared in March 1989 approximately 200 nautical miles off Exmouth, Western Australia. He was last definitively seen on the evening of 22 March 1989 and was reported missing the following morning when he failed to report for duty. An immediate search of the vessel and surrounding waters was conducted but was unsuccessful. Police investigation found no suspicious circumstances. Medical records revealed Mr Hou had visited doctors 11 times between December 1988 and February 1989, all for dental issues, and was prescribed pain medication for possible trigeminal neuralgia. The coroner concluded he died around 23 March 1989, most likely from drowning after either accidentally falling overboard or deliberately entering the water, though insufficient evidence exists to determine the precise cause or manner of death.