The cargo deck of the Princess Ashika was flooded on every voyage it took when it was in operation, and a refrigerator full of frozen food floated and refrigeration ceased, Nikola Tau, a former freight officer with the Shipping Corporation of Polynesia Ltd told the Royal Commission of Inquiry into the sinking of the Ashika this morning, January 18.

Nikola said that a crew-member reported to him that water entered the cargo deck on every voyage but when they reported it to the SCP Managing Director John Jonesse, he did nothing about it.

Nikola said that during SCP management meetings, which Jonesse attended, he raised his concern about the floating freezers and the incoming water.

"On each of our meetings I always raised this problem of the floating of the refrigerators and the water entering the vessel - water about 12 inches. His response was he instructed the workshop people to construct a platform to place the refrigerators on, but actually there was nothing done."

The witness said the refrigerators were always carried on the voyages since some belonged to the vessel and others belonged to other companies, mainly Chinese companies, who had products inside. He said he used palettes to put the refrigerators on top but he does not know whether cargo was lashed down on August 5, 2009 or not.

Nikola also confirmed that the freight or cargo manifest for the Ashika for August 5, 2009 was determined on the basis of calculating weight of items but was conducted by just simply looking at the item, which he agreed was unacceptable.

He also added that he overheard complaints made to Jonesse about the vessel between April and May 2009 prior to its purchase.

One of the staff of SCP, Afoloka Lavaki, had a report from the Fijian Captain of the MV Tasman who had worked on the Princess Ashika and he told Jonesse that the vessel had several problems including running aground and other mishaps. But Jonesse responded that everything was fixed and it's okay, he said.

SCP Directors

SCP Chairperson 'Alisi Taumoeapeau was to follow and give evidence today but was adjourned to January 25 because she was in New Zealand.

The inquiry then adjourned for Tuesday, January 19 when SCP Company Secretary Lord Dalgety is to give evidence,

followed by SCP Director Rev Tevita Haukinima.

Jonesse who is still looking for a lawyer will give evidence on Thursday, January 21, regardless of whether or not he finds one to represent him.