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The Tonga Government has promised to hand out $80,000 in compensation to families for each of the victims who died in the sinking of the MV Princess Ashika last August, on the condition that the next of kin will not file any civil claims against Government.

The Minister of Justice Hon Samiu Vaipulu told Matangi Tonga on September 10, that Government had committed up to $6 million pa'anga from its $15 million National Emergency Funds, for the distribution.

He confirmed at this stage 27 victims families had not filed any civil claims with the Supreme Court, and so they could receive $80,000 per head as soon as next week from the Treasury. However, to date 30 civil claims had been made against Government, and it was up to the families whether they wanted to discontinue.

The 30 claims are for 40 lives and made by 57 persons at the Supreme Court.

The Minister said that if they discontinued their claims with the court, they could then receive the funds. However, Government was also trying to identify the rightful next of kin of the victims, who could receive the funds.

The Minister said the handout was intended for all 74 victims but those that had made their claims on behalf of their members would have to talk with their legal counsel about their situation.

He said this initiative has been Government's intention since the sinking disaster because the Shipping Corporation of Polynesia is a Government entity.