A THIRD inquiry may be launched into the death of shipping boss Courtney Allan.

Hong Kong authorities have indicated they may follow the French and British lead and launch an inquiry into how Mr Allan fell six floors down a lift shaft of a ship.

It would be a victory for his three sons, two of whom live in Southampton, who have lobbied Hong Kong officials to examine the circumstances of their father's death.

Senior Orient Overseas Container Line executive Mr Allan, 53, died in a freak accident on board a ship in Le Havre port in France on July 4, 2003.

He fell 20 metres after walking through an open elevator door and landed on top of the lift car on the Hong Kong-registered OOCL Montreal.

The OOCL transatlantic trades director's fall has baffled experts, who cannot explain why the lift doors opened on to an empty shaft.

An Essex coroner first launched an investigation into the tragedy, a step followed by French prosecutors.

After intense lobbying from Mr Allen's sons, Hayden, 24, Tristan, 27, and Ben, 29, the Hong Kong Marine Department has indicated it may re-open its investigation.

Hong Kong officials never sent an investigator and only completed an internal report not available to the family.

In a letter to the family, the HKMD said: "We may consider to re-open the case for further investigation, if your family could produce any new evidence to suggest it is worthwhile for us to do so."

Tristan Allan said: "The HK Marine Department may have failed to carry out a proper investigation into the death of our father.

"The report produced by the HK Marine Department did not include an independent inspection of the OOCL Montreal as part of its investigation process."