Slide photographs of holes and advanced rusting on various parts of the MV Princess Ashika were shown to the jury in the Supreme Court, Nuku'alofa yesterday, February 16, the third day of the one-month trial.

The pictures taken by a former Tongan Marine Surveyor Lou Pale on July 2, 2009 while the vessel was surveyed after it arrived in Nuku'alofa from Fiji the previous day. Lou is now living in New Zealand but it is understood that he one of the Crown's witnesses.

The 19 slide photographs was shown to the jury to support evidences that were given by Senior Marine Engineer 'Onesi Tu'ifua, the Crown's second witness.

'Onesi told the court that the photographs was taken while the vessel was being surveyed by himself and fellow surveyors, Vuni Latu and Lou Pale.

Pictures

While the slide photographs were being shown, the Crown chief prosecutor, 'Aminiasi Kefu was questioning 'Onesi who was pointing out the rust and holes on the vessel. There was heavy rusting to the bow and on the stern ramp door where cement was blasted on the floor under the door.

'Onesi said that the cement on the floor indicated that water must have come into the vessel while it was sailing from Fiji to Tonga.

He told the court from his expert opinion the condition of the rust had accumulated for a very long time and he was concerned with the state of the heavy rusting.

Pictures also showed holes on the side and bottom of the vessel where one can see the light shine through as well as the blue ocean.

'Onesi also identified heavy rusting to the air vents while another photo showed the anchor chain and cable also heavily rusted through and has decreased in size.

Submerged

Other pictures showed the load line on the vessel was submerged.

'Onesi explained that a load line is painted on the hull of a ship approximately midway between the bow and the stern to indicate the level that the water should reach if the ship is fully loaded.

The picture of the load line showed it was already submerged despite the vessel having no cargo or passengers onboard when the picture was taken. Therefore it was not in a condition to sail, he said.

Pictures inside the balance tank also showed heavy rusting while scuppers located on the floor of the vessel showed it had no lid attachment and was also rusted through.

This trial continues today, February 17 at the Parliament House.