BY ROMINAH FAKA
Trial into the case of MV Taimareho will continue on October 1 for prosecution to continue with the crown witnesses.
Prosecution already called two witnesses, 17 more witness will be call. Crown also reserved the right to call more.
The accused Michael Roy Galo was charged with 27 counts of manslaughter.
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 appears for the crown and George Gray appears for accused Galo.
