Tongan police said their focus was on search and rescue. However, information they gathered would be used to see if there was any criminal culpability behind the disaster.
A specialist maritime investigation is also under way, with the Tongan government moving to ensure it is fully independent.
Princess Ashika was part of the fleet of Tonga Corporation of Polynesian, a government-run company.
The inquiry comes as relatives of victims call for the resignation of Tonga’s Transport Minister Paul Karalus.
“I will be independent I am a freelance consultant,” Eno said.
Tongan Police Commander Chris Kelley said the Princess Ashika was not overloaded. It was understood that the ship was carrying just a third of its maximum cargo load, which included 18,000 liters of diesel oil.
