By Belinda Kora, PNG FM News
RICHES ON MV RABAUL QUEEN ACCIDENT
Some disturbing but useful insights into recent actions that have been taken so far by the Management of the National Maritime and Safety Authority were revealed on a social networking site of Facebook by Former boss of PNG Ports, Mr Brian Riches.
Mr Riches said that Rabaul Shipping/Star Ships has never been compliant with the will of NMSA and has resorted to vexatious litigation over the years to keep NMSA at bay, and has actually recently taken out court proceedings to challenge the Ports Management & Safety Regulations in what appears an apparent move to avoid having to adhere to the conditions.
In his opinion, Mr Riches says the owners and Directors of the Rabaul Queen must be charged with manslaughter.
He says we have heard in the overseas News with another maritime disaster, “fish rot from the Head down” the process of ignoring request for manifests was obviously sanctioned by management.
Mr Riches adds that they even obtained a court order to stop PNG Ports from charging any passenger fees at any of the Ports they called at, adding that safety is a culture nurtured by Company executives and its Board, ignorance of safety and laws and regulations are no excuse.
Is the reported failure to give the manifest to authorities an admission of illegal overloading?
We’ve been told that there were 350 people on the vessel. What is the legal rated capacity?
Is the company still related to Sir Julius Chan’s family?
Just wonderin …
Not sure of other facts, also No, Rabaul Shipping is not related to Sir Julius Chan