NZ may help buy Tonga new ferry

New Zealand could help Tonga buy a new ferry to replace the Princess Ashika, Prime Minister John Key said today.

The ageing ferry sunk on August 6 with at least 149 men, women and children on board.

Only 54 men survived and although the ferry has been located it is too deep for navy divers to reach it.

Mr Key said it had been confirmed that neither New Zealand nor Australia had the military capability to salvage the Princess Ashika.

He said the Government was seeking advice about private sector capability.

"We have no idea whether that capability is there, or what the cost would be," he said at his post-cabinet press conference.

"We do need to make sure that when we consider our options we also consider the future of the Tongans. It may be that the best use of resources is in assisting Tonga purchase a new ship that can make sure future travel is safe."

 

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