Princess Ashika royal commission resumes in Tonga

Campbell Cooney, Pacific Correspondent

Last Updated: Mon, 8 Feb 2010 15:34:00 +1100

A royal commission reconvenes in Nuku'alofa on Monday to probe last year's Ashika ferry disaster which killed 74 people.

Over the next two and a half weeks the Royal Commission will hear evidence from Tonga's Prime Minister Fred Sevele, the country's finance minister, as well as evidence from the then transport minster Paul Karulus.

It is expected they will be asked to explain why the purchase of the ferry was approved, despite evidence to the commission that there were doubts about the ferry's seaworthiness, or suitability.

The MV Princess Ashika sank in August last year taking over 70 lives, just weeks after it was purchased from Fiji.

Ferry loss

Meanwhile, the governor of one of Tonga's northern islands says they are struggling to cope with the loss of the country's ferry service.

Tonga's last working ferry, the MV Pulupaki, was pulled out of service last month after it was found to be unsafe.

According to Vavau's governor, Honorable Luani, his island was dependent on the ferry for regular deliveries of food and supplies.

He says the loss of the service has caused shortages on the island and prices have gone up.

He says he is planning to travel to the mainland of Tongatapu on Monday by plane to raise the issue with the government.

"Right now we're all keeping our fingers crossed because there is no regular supply," he said.

"We are used to having in regular supply but now . . .it seems to be very vague. I don't know when there will be a ferry."