Democracy activists in the South Pacific kingdom of Tonga say King George Tupou V should not be traveling abroad so soon after a deadly ferry disaster.

The New Zealand Herald reported in its Sunday edition that the king has been criticized for starting a four-month trip, which includes a visit to Scotland, following the Aug. 5 sinking of the Princess Ashika ferry with 149 people on board. Fifty-four passengers were rescued and two bodies were recovered, while 93 people remain missing and are presumed dead.

Democracy activists in Tonga said the actions of Tupou, who is not expected to return to his country until December, are worthy of a revolution.

Va'aiga Tuigamala, a former member of the New Zealand national rugby team, told the Herald the families of the still-missing ferry victims are likely facing troubling times.

"The longer it goes on, the worse it's going to get -- the reality that their loved ones will never return will sink in. That's the hardest part," said Tuigamala, whose wife Daphne lost an aunt and three cousins in the incident.