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Security

‘Princess Ashika’ search and support mission

Baird Maritime

Australian Navy clearance divers continue the search for sunken ferry 'Princess Ashika'.

"We really want to find the vessel, it's our job to be here," Leading Seaman Clearance Diver (LSCD) Simon Scott said.

Royal Australian Navy (RAN), Australian Clearance Diving Team One (AUSCDT ONE) member Scott Broughton conducts diving drills at His Majesty's Navy Base Masefield (Touliki) during Operation Ashika Assist

Tongan Police Force figures indicate that of 149 people believed to be onboard the 'Princess Ashika', 54 survivors and two bodies have been recovered. 93 people are still unaccounted for.

The Royal New Zealand Navy deployed a REMUS (Remote Environment Measuring Underwater System), a torpedo-like unit which can gather imagery at depths beyond the deployed capabilities of the divers. REMUS allowed the divers to scour their search area for signs of the ferry.

The 'Princess Ashika' sank on Wednesday, August 5.