11:08 AM |
WELDER TELLS INQUIRY OF TONGA FERRY CORROSION
More pictures demonstrate level of deterioration
NUKU΄ALOFA, Tonga (Matangi Tonga, Oct. 29, 2009) - A welder and fitter for the Shipping Corporation of Polynesia Ltd Manase Katoa, in his testimony this morning at the Inquiry into the sinking of the MV Princess Ashika reaffirmed the advanced level of rust and corrosion of the vessel and how unfit it was to operate in Tonga. As second witness in Day Three of the inquiry, Manase 43, a welder of 20 years work experience with the shipping company, said that when he saw the ferry in Nuku΄alofa on 1 July he noticed the advanced level of corrosion and rust it had and noted that it was not suitable to be used. He told the Commission that when he and other welders, under the direction of foreman Sateki Tupou started working on the vessel on July 2, the amount of corrosion and rust on the ferry was visible "and anyone who boarded the Ashika would have noticed it too." From July 2 to August 4 Manase said they carried out repair work on the vessel, included the welding of heavily corroded areas and a hole on one side of the vessel. The witness was shown a photograph of his brother Metilini welding the wall on one side of the vessel. He identified that his brother was trying to fix a hole on the cargo deck. He estimated the hole to be about two feet by two feet, and it was caused by a wave on one of ferry's voyages.
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pacific islands media association
pima.nius@gmail.com
aotearoa, new zealand
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