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HMNZS Manawanui in New Zealand

New Zealand Defence Force
Te Ope Kaatua O Aotearoa
Media Release
Wednesday 12 August, 2009
Royal New Zealand Navy Divers Locate Wreck Of Tongan Ferry

The Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) Diving and Underwater Search Team, in a combined operation with teams from the Tonga Defence Force and Royal Australian Navy Clearance Diving Team operating from the Tonga Defence Services Vessel VOEA PANGAI, have located what appears to be the sunken vessel PRINCESS ASHIKA. At approximately 11.00am this morning (local time) the RNZN REMUS sonar system detected a vessel which fits the general size and shape of the missing vessel.

The vessel is located 11 nautical miles south southwest of Nomuka in the Ha’apai Group of islands. It appears to be intact, in an upright position at a depth of 110 meters.

The position identified by the REMUS system coincides with the positions given by both the Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) and by the Master in his final radio call. The position is also corroborated by the presence of an oil slick, various debris and a mooring line.

The RNZ Navy Diving Team has suspended operations due to deteriorating weather conditions and the forecast is predicted to be bad weather throughout the next few days.

The RNZN Diving Tender, HMNZS MANAWANUI is due to arrive in Nuku’alofa on Saturday morning and will allow the Navy Diving Team to conduct further reconnaissance operations on the PRINCESS ASHIKA using a remotely operated vehicle (ROV). The ROV will provide images that will give 100% certainty to the identity of the sunken vessel. The RNZN Divers do not have the capability to conduct recovery operations beyond 50 metres.

Lieutenant Commander Andrew McMillan, Commanding Officer of the RNZN Operational Diving Team, says “The RNZN Diving and Underwater Search Teams were pleased to have been able to find the location of what appear to be the PRINCESS ASHIKA, however we are sad that due to the depth of the vessel this will not lead to closure for the Tongan people. Our hearts and sincere condolences go the families of the victims of this tragedy”.

Once HMNZS MANAWANUI arrives in Nuku’alofa, the ROV will be used to conduct an examination, explore the wreck site, map the debris field around the vessel and examine what further options are available.

ENDS

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