The New Zealand Navy dive ship Manawanui has arrived in Tonga to support divers to confirm the discovery of the sunken ferry
Princess Ashika.

The dive team has been waiting for Manawanui to provide a stable platform for deployment of a remote operated vehicle.

Lieutenant Commander Andrew McMillan said it will take time to carry out the operation because they have to inspect the dive ship which has been battling winds while making its way to Tonga.

Only two bodies have been recovered so far and authorities believe the bodies of the 93 passengers listed as missing are still trapped inside the ferry.