Three charged with manslaughter after Tonga Shipping Corpora
Ferry Online Travel News 29/03/2010
Three charged with manslaughter after Tonga Shipping Corporation disaster
Three people have been charged with manslaughter following the sinking of a Shipping Corporation ferry in Tonga last year. The sinking of Princess Ashika happened on August 5, with only 50 of the boat’s 128 passengers surviving. It was country’s worst disaster to date.
Tonga police commander Chris Kelley said that the ship was deemed to be unseaworthy and that the ship’s captain, Makahokovalu Tuputpu, first mate, Viliami Tu’ipulotu, and managing director of Shipping Corporation, John Jonesse, will all face charges relating to the death of one particular passenger.
The maximum jail term for manslaughter in Tonga is 25 years, but further charges may also be brought against the men at a later date relating to other passenger deaths. Even if a guilty verdict for manslaughter is not reached, the men could still be sentenced to three years in prison and be made to pay fines of up to $150,000 for sending an unseaworthy ship to sea.
The disaster happened around 55 miles from the capital city of Nuku'alofa. Only two bodies were recovered from the deep-sank hull. One of those was 21-year-old mother Vae Fetu’u Taufa, who the charge of manslaughter by negligence relates to.
All men are currently free on bail, with Tuputupu claiming he knew the ship was unseaworthy but felt pressure from the company to sail it, and Jonesse claiming he had no idea about the state of the vessel. All three men are pleading not guilty to manslaughter. The case continues.
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