Former MV Princess Ashika ferry captain Viliami Makahokovalu Tuputupu has been sentenced to two years in prison for maritime breaches now involving the MV ‘Otuanga’ofa, including sailing with excess passengers and operating without a valid certificate.
The Magistrate ruled that Tuputupu allowed 420 passengers on board, exceeding the vessel’s 400-passenger limit. He also sailed despite his Certificate of Competency expiring in April 2023.
The court noted Tuputupu’s prior conviction in 2011 for manslaughter by negligence in the 2009 MV Ashika disaster, which claimed 74 lives. He had served six months of a four-year sentence.
The Magistrate emphasized Parliament’s tougher penalties for such offenses, increased in 2022 to up to five years’ imprisonment or a $50,000 fine, to safeguard lives.
Evidence, including witness testimony, confirmed Tuputupu knowingly violated regulations, repeating past mistakes. His history of negligence and disregard for safety prompted the strict sentence.
