Massive holes in Tongan disaster ferry

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Damning photographs have confirmed worst fears that Tonga's doomed ferry Princess Ashika was a floating death trap on the Pacific seas.

An inquiry into the midnight sinking on August 5, which left 72 passengers dead, has opened with explosive photographic evidence of the poor condition of the vessel.

A government marine engineer, Mosese Fakatou, showed 37 slide photos of the ferry which revealed massive holes, heavily corroded sides and floor and blocked vents that stopped water running off decks.

"There was a photo of a hole on the cargo deck, where one could see down to the ocean," the Matangi Tonga newspaper reported.

"Mosese pointed out that a wide area near the hole was also heavily corroded. He said he had to walk carefully on the whole floor area because he could have fallen through it."

Mosese, who inspected the MV Princess Ashika to establish seaworthiness the day it set sail on its final voyage, also took photos of worn safety rails and ropes and the entrance gate.

"The gate itself was broken, rusty and dangerous for wandering passengers who could have easily fallen overboard," the newspaper reported.

There was also evidence that heavily corroded areas of the boat had been freshly painted over.

The revelations confirm widely-held suspicions among Tongans that the boat, bought from Fiji just six weeks before the tragedy, was not fit for use.

And they come on the first day of a Royal Commission of Inquiry designed to explain why the accident occurred and why so many people died.

In particular, it will look at whether any criminal act contributed to the disaster, and whether there's evidence of civil responsibility.

A final report will be handed down at the end of March 2010 but many have doubts the findings will ever be implemented.

Mele 'Amanaki, president of the Tongan Women's National Congress, warned there have been many royal commissions in Tonga but that what happens with them is usually up to the King.

"While I have confidence in the commissioners, I unfortunately have little faith the results will ultimately be made public or acted on," Ms 'Amanaki said.

The 800 members of the women's congress are fasting in support of a petition calling for Tongan Prime Minister Fred Sevele to be sacked in the wake of the tragedy.

- AAP

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