Tongan ferry survey showed safety fears

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Fiji Marine survey certificates issued on the ill-fated MV Princess Ashika confirmed there were increasing safety concerns on the deteriorating condition of the vessel.

The Tongan inquiry into the sinking of the ferry heard that the certificates were issued earlier this year, some time before the vessel was purchased by the Tongan government, Matangi Tonga newspaper reported online.

The ferry sank in August with the loss of 74 lives.

The commission has been told it had multiple and obvious serious safety failings, including holes in the decks, heavily corroded hull and deck sections, blocked scuppers and vents, worn safety rails and ropes, and damaged accessways.

The inquiry was presented with a series of Fiji Marine Survey certificates issued for the vessel which noted the conditions for the Ashika to sail, including that it sail for no longer than an hour, specifically from Nadovi to Buresala, with reduced cargo, at reduced speed and restricted to smooth waters.

The conditions were on the endorsements printed on the documents.

Counsel assisting the Royal Commission, Manuel Varitimos, showed the certificates to the managing director of the Shipping Corporation of Polynesia Ltd, New Zealander John Jonesse.

He recommended the ship's purchase, but said he had never set eyes on the documents before.

Subsequent survey certificates indicated the condition of the vessel was getting worse because it then was required to sail at a reduced speed. Certificates from April to May and subsequently from May to June showed safety concerns justifiable in reduced cargo and speed.

It was put to Mr Jonesse, a former Christchurch businessman, that the Fiji Marine Board and the Fiji Island Maritime Safety Administration (Fimsa) became concerned about the condition of the vessel and he agreed.

He also confirmed that no independent examination of the vessel was conducted of the Ashika and that he never visited Fimsa, when in Fiji checking on the vessel.

Mr Varitimos asked Mr Jonesse whether he accepted there was concern in Fiji that the vessel could cause a maritime disaster. He replied no, and said he sighted a survey provided to him by Patterson Shipping.

The Royal Commission is in its second week of hearings.

- NZPA