Investigation number
267-ME-2009-006
Occurrence date
Location
Approximately 11 nautical miles from Nomuka, Ha'apai, Tonga
State
International
Report release date
Report status
Final
Investigation level
Systemic
Investigation type
Occurrence Investigation
Investigation status
Completed
Occurrence class
Accident
Highest injury level
Fatal
The ATSB assisted the New Zealand Transport Accident Investigation Commission (TAIC) in their investigation into the loss of the vessel. TAIC is the lead agency in this investigation.
The inter-island ferry, the MV Princess Ashika, sank in Tongan waters 5 August 2009. There were many lives tragically lost. Pursuant to the Royal Commission Act (Cap 41) Laws of Tonga, a Royal Commission into the Sinking of the MV Princess Ashika was established.
Vessel Details
Departure point
Nuku'alofa, Tonga
Destination
Nomuka, Ha'apai, Tonga
Vessel name
Princess Ashika
Flag
Fiji
IMO
7234002
Damage
Destroyed
Marine occurrence type
Foundered
Departure time
5 August 2009
Marine Operation Category
Vehicular passenger ferry