Survivors of one of Hong Kong's deadliest maritime disasters and victims' families who spent 13 years in a legal and bureaucratic maze seeking answers will have to wait a little longer for a coroner's ruling to shed light on the tragedy.

A ruling was due to be made on Thursday, but on Tuesday the hearing was adjourned to a date to be determined.

But in 2012, Philip Chiu and his family had boarded the Lamma IV ferry at the quiet pier of an outlying island, travelling towards the city's Victoria Harbour for a close-up view of a dazzling fireworks display.

It was October 1 -- China's national day -- and spirits were high among passengers. On board, Chiu spotted a large, bright object approaching, but by the time he recognised it as another vessel, it was too late.

"It hit us at high speed

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