MORESBY - Peter Sharp, the owner of the Rabaul Queen, which sank in Papua New Guinea on February 2 claiming more than 200 lives, has told an inquiry he ignored weather warnings.
But Australian-born Captain Sharp, quizzed by Brisbane barrister Mal Varitimos, told the inquiry in Port Moresby on Tuesday that the ship sank because of an act of God.
He conceded that when he bought the ship 13 years ago it was being used for smooth waters, in Japans inland sea.
Captain Sharp said someone in the Transport Department had questioned the suitability of the vessel for PNG waters.
The ships survey certificate issued in 2003 licensed it to operate in conditions below force-seven seas.