MASTER of MV Taimareho 1 Michael Roy Galo has pleaded not guilty to the manslaughter of the 27 passengers who were swept off board and died during a sea incident in 2020.
He entered his not guilty pleas to the 27 Manslaughter charges before Deputy Chief Magistrate Ricky Iomea.
Following his not guilty pleas, a short form preliminary inquiry was conducted, where the prosecution tendered documents regarding this matter to the Court.
Mr Iomea having received the committal papers adjourned the matter to October 6, for the ruling.
If he finds sufficient evidence against Galo, he will commit Galo’s matter to the High Court for trial.
However, if in the event he finds insufficient evidence, he is likely to dismiss the matter.
Galo is accused of the deaths of the 27 passengers during the sea incident in the early hours of 3 April 2020 at sea between Guadalcanal and Malaita.
In March 2020, the national 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
Solomon Star, Honiara
