New Zealand Defence Force
Te Ope Kaatua O Aotearoa
Media Release
Tuesday 18 August, 2009

Royal New Zealand Navy Remote Operating Vehicle Formally Identifies Sunken Tongan Ferry Princess Ashika

At 08:00 am this morning (local time) the ROV operating from the Royal New Zealand Navy Diving Tender, HMNZS MANAWANUI, has allowed formal identification to be made of the sunken vessel resting on the seabed as the PRINCESS ASHIKA.

The ROV identified the vessel by allowing the Royal New Zealand Navy’s (RNZN) Diving and Underwater Search Team to read the ship's name plate. Conditions on the surface are not currently favourable but the Navy team is continuing with its efforts. The water clarity is reported to be very good and this has allowed the team to conduct a thorough search of the sunken vessel.

One side of the PRINCESS ASHIKA is obstructed and the ROV is unable to see into the passenger compartment. The vessel is sitting flat on the seabed and appears to be intact.

The ROV has been able to enter the cargo hold and is providing information to the Transport Accident Investigation Commission investigator. The Navy team onboard MANAWANUI is continuing with its operations and hopes to return to Nuka’alofa tomorrow as planned.

The Commanding Officer on site, Lieutenant Commander Andrew McMillan, says, “Although the team are very happy to have formally identified PRINCESS ASHIKA, they are frustrated and disappointed at not being able to provide any further information that may bring closure to the Tongan people”.

What is the Remote Operating Vehicle (ROV)?

The RNZN currently utilises the Sea Eye Falcon Remote Operated Vehicle (ROV) and it is best described as a tethered mini submersible. Being remotely operated they are connected to, and controlled from, the surface. The ROV is attached by an umbilical cord through which the pilot sends control orders via joystick to the various propeller thrusters that allow it to hover, turn, descend and rise under power. The RNZN ROV has small sonar in the nose that can ping out looking for things, like a sunken ship, and the pilot with his control box can look at echo returns on his screen. It also has a video camera in the nose which is invaluable for identifying/confirming what the target is they are looking at. The Falcon is very portable and as long as there is Single phase 100-270 V input it can be operated almost anywhere. Among the many features the ROV has includes a 300 metre depth rating with a 16 kilo payload, high resolution colour camera on 180 deg tilt platform, variable intensity 150 watts of lighting and a portable surface control system with video overlay and daylight readable display.

ENDS

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