04-03-2011, 08:09 PM
New Zealander John Jonesse has been jailed for five years over the sinking of the Tongan ferry Princess Ashika.
Former Shipping Corporation of Polynesia managing director Jonesse was found guilty of manslaughter, forgery and sending an unseaworthy ship to sea.
He is among the four convicted of manslaughter by negligence, after the Ashika sank with the loss of 74 lives in 2009.
Jonesse was the chief executive of the ferry's operator.
The ship's captain, his first mate and a former director of Tonga's ministry of transport were the other three convicted.
Captain Viliami Tuputupu and acting director of marine Viliami Tu'ipulotu were both convicted of manslaughter and sending an unseaworthy ship to sea.
Captain Tuputupu received a four year jail term but will serve only six months in jail, while former director Tu'ipulotu has been given no jail time but received a three year suspended sentence.
First mate Semisi Pomale was convicted of manslaughter, and received five years but will serve 18 months' jail time.
Their trial began on Valentine's Day and heard from a range of witnesses, including survivors, crew and shipping specialists who added their opinions on what caused the vessel to lurch violently and sink with little warning during its overnight voyage.
Evidence was presented claiming the boat was riddled with rust and had "huge holes. There were also question marks over whether it was correctly registered and thoroughly tested by its new owners.
None of the women or children on board managed to survive because many were sleeping on the lower decks.
The trial was Tonga's biggest criminal case.