THE Ashika trials have been set for September 8, 2010, at the Nuku'alofa Supreme Court.

Four persons and the Shipping Corporation of Polynesia Ltd. have been charged with manslaughter by negligence for the death of Vae Fetu'u Taufa, a passenger on the MV Princess Ashika which sank last year on August 5 in Ha'apai waters.

Magistrate Paula Tatafu on Wednesday, July 28, ruled for all five cases to be heard at the Supreme Court on September 8.

It was the second court appearance of the five accused, Talifolau Kolopeaua for the SCP, the SCP Managing Director, John Jonesse; the MV Ashika's Captain, Makahokovalu Tuputupu; the Acting Director of Marine, Viliami Tu'ipulotu; and First Mate, Semisi Pomale.

Following the committal of the cases to be heard at the Supreme Court, the Captain Makahokovalu Tuputupu and the First Mate Semisi Pomale chose to be tried by a jury, while Viliami Tu'ipulotu who was represented by Peau Pifeleti elected to be tried by judge alone.

John Jonesse, who is represented by counsel Laki Niu, is expected to make an election later, because his counsel was not at the hearing on Wednesday. Lawyer Lepaola Vaea also informed the court that the SCP had not decided on a permanent counsel for their case, and asked for SCP to make its election later.

The five accused are also charged with other offences under the Shipping Act.

Five voyages

John Jonesse, and the Shipping Corporation have been similarly charged with an additional five counts each for sending an unseaworthy ship to sea; for not having valid safety certificate; for having no loadline certificate; for having no deck line and load line certificate, and for not having stability information.

Makahokovalu Tuputupu and Semisi Pomale are additionally charged with five counts each of taking an unseaworthy ship to sea, having no deckline and loadline certificate, having no valid safety certificate, having no valid loadline certificate and having no stability information.

Viliami Tu'ipulotu is charged with six counts of manslaughter by negligence and five counts of sending an unseaworthy ship to sea.