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Allegations suggesting the Ashika ferry tragedy resulted from the Tongan government’s “systematic failure” have been rejected by Tonga's Prime Minister, saying the laws, regulations, policies and procedures were in place.
Matangi Tonga reports Dr Feleti Sevele was giving evidence for the first time on Monday at a Royal Commission of Inquiry in Nuku’alofa into the sinking of the Princess Ashika.
He rejected submissions from Assisting Counsel Manual Varitimos that the sinking tragedy resulted in part from the Tongan government’s failure to ensure systematic procedures were in place.
But the PM did accept the fact that the cause of the disaster was from negligent individuals who undermined their responsibilities in determining the seaworthiness and suitability of the vessel.
