【明報專訊】More than nine years have passed since the Lamma ferry crash took place, but the victims' families are still haunted by many questions. Despite their call for the truth, they have been frustrated at every turn. A newly revealed investigative report by the police showed that the police suggested opening a coroner's inquest, citing reasons such as the public interest. However, the Chief Executive has said that since the coroner decided against an inquest last year, the related judicial proceedings had already finished. As for the internal investigation report compiled by the government previously, it will not be made public because of various technical reasons. With these comments the authorities are basically telling the families to "let go and move on", putting an end to the entire matter. No wonder the families are filled with indignation. The Lamma maritime disaster had exposed the dereliction of duty by Marine Department officials, but the accountability process in the aftermath has been lacking in transparency. Some officials who allegedly should be held responsible had even been promoted to high ranks in recent years. Questions have been raised about whether the authorities have handled the matter fairly. Even if the judicial procedures had really been concluded, it is still the government's responsibility to let the families and the public know the truth. The thorn stuck in the relatives' hearts can never be removed if the internal investigation report is not made public.