On her first day of evidence Taumoepeau admitted that failure included the Shipping Corporation, which recommended the government buy the ill-fated Princess Ashika, local newspaper Matangi Tonga reported.

The recommendation was based on information provided by New Zealand-born managing director John Jonesse, which she said, she now knew was inaccurate.

Seventy-four people died when the Ashika suddenly sank late on the night of August 5last year off the coast of Nuku'alofa.

A former Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Taumoepeau said the tragedy occurred as a result of a failure of the whole Tongan system in relation to conducting due process in all levels.

The government failed to carry out proper due diligence and the procurement policy was not complied with when buying the ship.

She also pointed out failure on the part of the Ministry of Transport, which was responsible for checking the vessel and laid some blame with the Ashika captain and crew who did not stand up and refuse to
sail the ship which they knew to be unsafe.

SCP company secretary Lord Dalgety and Taumoepeau have both told the inquiry that, contrary to popular belief, the corporation did not own the ferry.

Te government owned the ship and the SCP managed it, they said.

Taumoepeau said the corporation trusted the government to ensure the Princess Ashika was seaworthy.

The final report from the inquiry is due at the end of March.