Sharp to appear in Kokopo hearing

RABAUL Shipping owner Peter Sharp will next appear in Kokopo, East New Britain, on April 24 to give more evidence into the sinking of the mv Rabaul Queen.
It was not clear whether he would also appear before the commission in Lae, Buka and Kimbe as these are towns many of the victims of the sea disaster came from.
It is feared that Sharp’s presence at these hearings might spark some kind of reaction from the relatives of deceased passengers.
According to the lawyer assisting the commission Mal Varitimos, Sharp needed time to gather a number of documents and other information he agreed to provide as evidence.
Sharp’s lawyer Erik Andersen was not available last Friday, Varitimos said.
Sharp’s other lawyer Mokawau Mukwesipu confirmed to the commission that Sharp would be available on the said date and he was aware that he needed to provide the information required.
National Maritime Safety Authority senior search coordinator Fred Siroi and Transport secretary Henry Parakei also appeared before the commission last Friday.
Siroi will appear before the commission again next Tuesday in Lae.
Parakei will appear on May 21 to give evidence to the commission.