THE Master of MV Taimareho 1 facing manslaughter charges for the deaths of 27 passengers during a sea incident in 2020 returns will return to court today.
Michael Roy Galo faces 27 counts of manslaughter.
The Public Solicitor’s Office will today confirm his legal representation.
Galo was accused of the deaths of the 27 passengers during a sea incident in the early hours of 3 April 2020 at sea between Guadalcanal and Malaita.
In March 2020, the Government came up with a repatriation plan amid fears of the COVID-19 which saw a number of people in Honiara leaving for the provinces.
On the night of 2 April 2020, MV Taimareho 1 left Honiara with 738 passengers in spite of warnings from the Maritime advising vessels not to travel to provinces due to Cyclone Harold.
On its voyage to Are-are in Malaita, huge waves struck the ship during the night and swept 27 people overboard.
The ship continued on its voyage and arrived at Su’u Harbour on the morning of 3 April 2020.
A head count was conducted and 27 passengers were missing.
They were mostly high school students.
Only six bodies were recovered.
By ASSUMPTA BUCHANAN
Newsroom, Honiara
