THE trial of the Master of MV Taimareho who was charged in connection to the tragedy that claimed the lives of 27 of the passengers who travelled aboard the vessel in 2020 continues in the High Court today.
The defendant Michael Roy Galo is facing trial for 27 counts of manslaughter before Judge Ronald Bei Talasasa Jr.
The trial resumed on Tuesday with the testimonial evidence of the third prosecution witness.
The witness continues with his testimonial evidence today when the trial resumes.
Judge Talasasa Jr halted the trial at lunch time on Tuesday to give the afternoon for the counsels to sort out documents that will be tendered by consent at the trial.
The prosecution charged Galo for tragedy that occurred in the early hours of 3 April 2020 at sea between Guadalcanal and Malaita.
The prosecution alleged that Galo who was said to be the shipmaster at that time set out the ship despite bad weather.
In March 2020, the Government came up with a repatriation plan amid fears of COVID-19 community transmission and it saw a huge number of people in Honiara leave for their home provinces.
On the night of 2 April 2020, MV Taimareho 1 left Honiara with 738 passengers despite warnings from the Maritime against vessels travelling to the provinces due to Cyclone Harold.
In spite of the warning, the vessel departed on its scheduled voyage to Are’are in Malaita Province and on the way, huge waves struck and swept 27 people overboard.
The ship continued its voyage and arrived at Su’u Harbor in West Kwaio on the morning of 3 April 2020.
A head count was conducted and 27 passengers were established to be missing.
The missing persons were mostly high school students.
Only six bodies were recovered.
Public Solicitor George Gray represents Galo, whilst Public Prosecutor Steward Tonowane is prosecuting.
By ASSUMPTA BUCHANAN
Solomon Star, Honiara
