11 Aug 2009

Second body of Tonga ferry disaster identified

2:09 pm on 11 August 2009

The police in Tonga have identified the second of just two bodies recovered after last Wednesday's sinking of the Princess Ashika ferry.

She was a 22-year-old mother, Vaefetu'u Mahe, from Vava'u.

Preparations are still being made for the possibility of more bodies being found, but police say that depends on the success of dive operations trying to find the wreck.

Currently bad weather is delaying dive operations.

The Tongan police commander, Chris Kelley, says they're still looking for survivors.

"I have to keep optimistic despite the fact it's day six that we may find someone but I am realistic that the chances of survival now would be almost nil."

Chris Kelley says the search is being re-assessed each day.