Vessel identified as Princess Ashika

The sunken Tongan ferry, the Princess Ashika, has been formally identified.

The Royal New Zealand Navy diving vessel being operated from HMNZS Manawanui identified the vessel at 8am this morning.

The Princess Ashika sank two weeks ago and an estimated 93 people are still missing, presumed drowned.

The unmanned diving vessel allowed the navy to read the ship's name plate.

A statement from the navy said the water clarity is good.

"One side of the Princess Ashika is obstructed and the ROV is unable to see into the passenger compartment. The vessel is sitting flat on the seabed and appears to be intact."

The underwater vessel has been able to look into the cargo hold but the passenger area is blocked off.

The Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Commander Andrew McMillan, said although the team are happy to have formally identified the vessel, they are "frustrated and disappointed at not being able to provide any further information that may bring closure to the Tongan people".