Ferry tragedy due to failures at every level, inquiry hears

Pictured, an underwater view of the Princess Ashika ferry. Photo / Supplied

The Tongan ferry disaster was caused by a failure of governance at all levels, Shipping Corporation of Polynesia chairwoman 'Alisi Taumoepeau has told the Royal Commission of Inquiry.

On her first day of evidence, Ms Taumoepeau admitted that failure included the Shipping Corporation, which recommended the Government buy the ill-fated Princess Ashika, local newspaper Matangi Tonga reported.

The recommendation was based on information provided by New Zealand-born managing director John Jonesse which she said she now knew was inaccurate.

Seventy-four people died when the Princess Ashika sank late on the night of August 5 last year off the coast of Nuku'alofa.

A former Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Ms Taumoepeau said the tragedy occurred as a result of "a failure of the whole Tongan system in relation to conducting due process in all levels".

The Government failed to carry out proper due diligence and the procurement policy was not compliedwith when buying the ship.

She also pointed out failure on the part of the Ministry of Transport, which was responsible for checking the vessel, and laid some blame on the Princess Ashika's captain and crew, who did not stand up and refuse to sail a ship they knew to be unsafe.

Shipping Corporation company secretary Lord Dalgety and Ms Taumoepeau have both told the inquiry that, contrary to popular belief, the corporation did not own the ferry.

- NZPA