BY ROMINAH FAKA
The trial into the 27 deaths on MV Taimareho is set to resume today in court.
The matter was adjourned from last week after the defence lawyer was reported sick.
Prosecution is expected to continue with its case today.
Previously prosecutor called two witness who already gave evidence in court and 17 more witnesses are yet to be called – also crown reserved the right to call more.
The prosecutor charge accused Michael Roy Galo with 27 counts of manslaughter.
Galo pleaded not guilty and trial was then conducted.
Prosecution alleged Galo is the captain of the MV Taimareho 1 when the incident occurred at the sea between Guadalcanal and Malaita at the early house of April 3, 2020, which took the life of the 27 passengers.
In March of 2020, the National Government at that time came up with a repatriation plan amid fears of the COVID-19 which saw a number of people in Honiara leaving to their respective provinces.
On the night of 2 April 2020, MV Taimareho 1 left Honiara with 738 passengers despite the warning from the Maritime advising all vessels not to travel to provinces due to Clyclone Harold.
However, Mv Taimareho on its voyage to Are-are in Malaita.
It was alleged a huge wave struck the ship during the night and swept 27 people overboard.
The ship however, continue voyage and arrived at Su’u harbour on morning of April 3, 2020.
There the ship rested and head count conducted and were found that 27 passengers were missing.
Most of these missing passengers were mostly high school students.
Only six bodies were recovered after the search.
Steward Tonowane of Public Prosecution Office appears for the crown and George Gray appears for accused Galo.
