Wellington - Tonga's royal commission of inquiry into the sinking of the Princess Ashika ferry plans to begin public hearings in a few weeks, according to a government press statement released Monday.

The tragedy claimed 74 lives, while 54 people survived. All missing passengers except one have been identified.

Inquiry chief Justice Warwick Andrews said the commission had begun an investigation into the cause of the ferry sinking.

The commission would also work with New Zealand and Australian transport investigation teams to gather any criminal or civil evidence, according to the statement issued by Tonga's ministry of information and communication.

The commission is due to produce a draft report by the end of November and a final report by the end of March 2010.