Most of Tonga (including Vava'u and Ha'apai where FIKCO operates it's tours)
has been largely unaffected by the Tsunami that tragically struck Samoa on
Wednesday 30 September. The Niuas (which are 240 kms north of Vava'u) were the
only Tongan island group to be severely impacted by the Tsunami. For additional
information regarding the Tsunami please refer to the following link:
http://tvnz.co.nz/world-news/tonga-hit-waves-reports-deaths-3042124
Tonga Ferry Princess Ashika Relief Fund
(August, 2009)
On the Wednesday evening of August 5th 2009 at about 11:00pm the Princess Ashika ferry capsized
85kms northeast of Nuku’alofa, Tonga and sunk within minutes according to eyewitness accounts.
The cause of the sinking is unknown, and an investigation is underway.
Reports suggest that there was at least 149 people on board. Only 54 survivors and two bodies
have been found and 93 are presumed drowned.
The New Zealand navy believes it has located the ferry on the sea floor at a depth of 110m.
They intend to bring it up as the weather improves.
The Tongan Government has set up a bank account to assist families suffering as a result of the
tragedy. A separate account has been set up for families in the Vava’u Island Group. Contributions
can be deposited directly into the following account(s):
Account Name: Ashika Relief Fund
Account Number: 2000729794
Bank: Westpac Bank of Tonga
SWIFT Code: BTONTONU
BSB Number: 039046
Account Name: Ferry Princess Ashika Vava’u Victims Fund
Account Number: 2000729414
Bank: Westpac Bank of Tonga
SWIFT Code: BTONTONU
Tour Prices Now Quoted in New Zealand Dollars
(March, 2009)
Until now we have published our tour prices in six different international currencies.
However, owing to the global economic crisis and volatile foreign currency exchange rates,
our tour prices are now advertised in New Zealand dollars only.
For currency conversions please click on the following link:
