22 Aug 2013

Owner of PNG's Rabaul Queen ferry free on bail

6:34 pm on 22 August 2013

The owner of Papua New Guinea's Rabaul Queen ferry, which sank last year, has been released on bail.

Peter Sharp was arrested in Kokopo this week and is facing 162 counts of manslaughter, criminal negligence and taking an unseaworthy ship to sea.

The ferry sank off Morobe coast 18 months ago, claiming at least 141 lives.

Mr Sharp is free on bail of 2,000 US dollars on condition he not leave New Britain province and not interfere with witnesses.

Four Rabaul Shipping employees have reportedly also been questioned.