By James Murray
All defendants in the Princess Ashika trial have been found guilty of all charges, including New Zealander John Jonesse.
Jonesse was the former managing director of the Shipping Corporation of Polynesia.
The Princess Ashika sank in August 2009 just north of Tonga’s capital Nuku’alofa. Seventy-four people lost their lives.
No women or children survived as they were all on lower decks when the boat sank.
Evidence at the trial showed the boat was suffering from rust and “huge holes” and that it was not seaworthy.
Many doors that were supposed to be watertight gave way during the disaster.
Before the jury retired Supreme Court Justice Robert Shuster said they should pay close attention to the ship’s construction and safety equipment.
"If it is not of a reasonable standard the law states that ship is unseaworthy," Judge Shuster said.
"The law is also clear that a ship must not proceed to sea without valid certificates including load line and safety certificates, under any circumstances."
The five accused were the ship’s captain, Maka Tuputupu, the ship’s first mate Sesmi Pomale, the Director of Marine and Ports Viliami Tuipoluto and New Zealander John Jonesse.
Jonesse was found guilty on eight charges including manslaughter by negligence, forgery, dealing with a forged document and five counts of sending an unseaworthy ship to sea.
The Princess Ashika was never salvaged.
The trial was held at Tonga’s Supreme Court.
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