Sonar image shows vessel thought to be sunken ferry

The Princess Ashika (L) and the sonar image of the vessel discovered by the Royal New Zealand Navy yesterday. Photos / NZDF

A sonar image of a sunken wreck believed to be the Princess Ashika has been released by the Navy.

The picture was taken using the Navy's Remus sonar system. The vessel fits the general size and shape of the Princess Ashika. It sits at a depth of 110 metres.

The Navy says the wreck was found 11 nautical miles south southwest of Nomuka in the Ha'apai Group of islands and appears to be intact and in an upright position.

It says its position coincides with the positions given by both the an emergency radio beacon and the Master in his final radio call.

The HMNZS Manawanui is due to arrive in Nukualofa on Saturday morning.

It will allow the Navy Diving Team to conduct further reconnaissance operations using a remotely operated vehicle.

It will provide certainty on whether the vessel is the Princess Ashika.

The divers do not have the capability to conduct recovery operations below 50 metres.

They are currently stuck on dry land in Tonga, due to deteriorating weather conditions, but say the support they are receiving is overwhelming.

Navy spokesman Lieutenant Commander Andrew McMillan says despite the situation being incredibly frustrating, people are being amazingly supportive.

He says just this morning the father of one of the men lost in the tragedy said he was concerned for the welfare of the divers.

- NEWSTALK ZB