Built as a cargo vessel under yard No 253 by Scheepswerf Gebr. Niestern & Co., at Delfzijl, Netherlands for the Tonga Copra Board, Nukualofa, Tonga.
19 December 1957 launched as the AONUI.
Tonnage 514 grt, 270 net, 559 dwt. Dim. 177 x 27.9 x 10.5ft.
Powered by one MAN diesel engine, 500 bhp, one shaft speed 10.5 knots.
Accommodation for 10 passengers, two cabins for VIP’s.
May 1958 completed.
According to the wish of Prince Tungi not any woman was allowed on board while the ship was built till, Queen Salote of Tonga has taken over the ship from the yard, and has boarded the ship.
Used to carry cargo and mail between the Tonga Islands and Fiji.
1976 Sold to Taoniu Williams Shipping Co., Suva, Fiji and renamed TAONIU.
1980 Laid up.
2002 Deleted from Lloyds Register.
Tonga 1961 5d sg118, scott117. 1966 5d sg168, scott?. and 3s6d on 5d sg172. 1972 20s, 50s, 1p20 sg O76/78, scottC055/57.
Source: Blauwe Wimpel. http://www.miramarshipindex.org.nz