Wellington, Feb 25 NZPA - The captain of the Tongan ferry Princess Ashika has been arrested and charged with five counts of knowingly sailing an unseaworthy vessel.

The 37-year-old Ashika sank last year with the loss of 74 lives, while Maka Tuputupu was in charge.

The charges relate to five sailings the Princess Ashika made under his captaincy.

He was arrested last night and has already appeared in court. He remains in custody until a bail hearing takes place.

He was the second person to be charged over the sinking.

New Zealander John Jonesse, who recommended the purchase of the 37-year-old ferry was earlier charged with forgery and using a forged document while advising the Tongan government about the vessel.

The former managing director of the Shipping Corporation of Polynesia (SCP) has been released on bail.

Tongan police alleged he forged the signature of marine surveyor David Shaw on an audit document in April last year, and gave the document to the minister of finance.

Police said they were examining the actions of a number of people involved in the Ashika tragedy and had not ruled out further arrests.

The police investigation is running separately from the Royal Commission of Inquiry, which is currently under way.

Former Transport Minister Paul Karalus will be back in the stand today giving evidence over his role in the purchase of the vessel and the due diligence which was undertaken.

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