Tonga: 73 people still missing

Tongan police say 73 people are unaccounted for after the sinking of the ferry Princess Ashika - 20 fewer than previously thought.

The 36-year-old vessel sank around midnight on August 5, 86km northeast of the island's capital of Nuku'alofa.

Tongan police commander Chris Kelley said the new figure came after detailed checking, confirming inquiries with relatives, establishing correct identities with manifest records and statements from survivors.

Tongan police confirmed two dead with 54 survivors. Of those unaccounted for, 67 were on the ferry when it sank, Mr Kelley said.

"We are left with six unconfirmed persons, four of whom we believe are foreign nationals whose identity we know but do not have confirmation as having been sighted on board."

The 54 survivors were all men, with most of the women and children sleeping in their cabins when the ship sank.

The body of British man Daniel McMillan would be transported to New Zealand tomorrow, Mr Kelley said.

HMNZS Manawanui was to return to Nuku'alofa, following a successful mini-submarine mission to formally identify the sunken vessel. Using a remotely operated vehicle (ROV), a Royal New Zealand Navy dive squad was able to read the ship's nameplate.

Dive team Lieutenant Commander Andrew McMillan said the ROV was launched from HMNZ Manawanui, which was anchored 110m above the ferry.

The Princess Ashika was sitting flat on the seabed and appeared to be intact.

The ROV had been able to enter the cargo hold and provide information to the Transport Accident Investigation Commission investigator.

- NZPA