This is a Preliminary Statement to inform the public about the Royal Commission of Inquiry into the sinking of the M.V . Princess Ashika.

The Royal Commission was established within approximately one week of the sinking of the Princess Ashika. The Royal Commission is commanded to inquire into the following matters being the terms of reference of the Commission they are:

"The matters to be inquired into and reported upon shall include but are not limited to the following

- The facts about the disaster and the accompanying search, rescue and recovery of the disaster victims;

- The cause of the disaster;

- Evidence leading to any criminal act contributing to the disaster;

- Evidence leading to any civil responsibility for the disaster;

- The reasons why the loss of lives attained such a magnitude and;

- Present proposals for any measures that would help to prevent the future occurrence of a similar disaster or may assist in future, search, rescue and recovery of disaster victims."

The Royal Commission is commanded to give a Preliminary Report not later then the 30th November, 2009 and its Final Report not later than the 31st March, 2010.

The Royal Commission wishes to advise that it has commenced it's inquiry by the obtaining of information and evidence and conducting investigations in relation to all the causes and circumstances of the sinking of the 'ASHIKA'. We expect that this will take some further time and we expect that we shall then be in a position to commence a full formal public hearing in a few weeks from now. A further public notice will be issued providing further details in relation to the Royal Commission hearings.

We also wish to advise that the Royal Commission is being assisted by the Transport Investigation Commission of New Zealand and elements of the Australian Transport Safety Bureau. Full and thorough investigations are now being conducted.

A Royal Commission is the highest form of inquiry there can be. We wish to advise that this Commission is completely independent. It is independent from any other authority.

The Commissioners will make a full, faithful and impartial inquiry and will be independent.

The Royal Commission expects full co-operation from all persons that have information that may assist the Royal Commission in ascertaining the facts relevant to the matters which the Royal Commission is to inquire into and report upon.

The public is invited to provide any such information and should provide written statements (together with any supporting documents) together with contact details. The address to write to is : The Secretary, Royal Commission of Inquiry into the sinking of the M.V. Princess Ashika, P.O.BOX 900, Nuku'alofa, Tonga. Commission of Inquiry into the sinking of the M.V. Princess Ashika, 31/08/09.