[060411.EN.SEA] Shipping Corporation of Polynesia MD Jailed Five Years For Manslaughter

A NEW ZEALAND shipping executive was sentenced to five years imprisonment after being found guilty of manslaughter through negligence in connection with the sinking of the Princess Ashika ferry, reports the New Zealand Herald.

Seventy-four people died when the Princess Ashika sank while travelling from the Tongan capital Nuku'alofa to Ha'afeva on August 5, 2009.

John Jonesse, ex-managing director of the Shipping Corporation of Polynesia (SCP), was also sentenced to six months' jail for forgery, and dealing with forged documents and four years for sending an unseaworthy ship to sea, but these terms will be served concurrently.

Ashika captain Viliami Makahokovalu Tuputupu, first mate Semisi Pomale and a former director of the Ministry of Transport, Viliami Tu'ipulotu were found guilty last week of various charges, but have yet to be sentenced.

Source : HKSG, 06.04.11.