Summary
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.
Occurrence summary
| Investigation number | 267-ME-2009-006 |
|---|---|
| Occurrence date | 05/08/2009 |
| Location | Approximately 11 nautical miles from Nomuka, Ha'apai, Tonga |
| State | International |
| Report release date | 29/06/2010 |
| Report status | Final |
| Investigation level | Systemic |
| Investigation type | Occurrence Investigation |
| Investigation status | Completed |
| Mode of transport | Marine |
| Marine occurrence category | Foundered |
| Occurrence class | Accident |
| Highest injury level | Fatal |
Ship details
| Name | Princess Ashika |
|---|---|
| IMO number | 7234002 |
| Ship type | Vehicular passenger ferry |
| Flag | Fiji |
| Departure point | Nuku'alofa, Tonga |
| Destination | Nomuka, Ha'apai, Tonga |