Sombre Sunday, as Tonga prays for Ashika victims [1]
Monday, August 10, 2009 - 17:06. Updated on Thursday, August 6, 2015 - 12:24.
Photos by Pesi Fonua and Pat Car
Sunday was a sombre day in Tonga with many people wearing black, and attending church services where they remembered the missing and the dead, and gave thanks for those who survived the sinking of the MV Princess Ashika on August 5.
At the ferry's last mooring on Queen Salote Wharf, about 50 people gathered at for sunset prayers. HRH Prince Tu'ipelehake laid a wreath on the mooring, and flowers were thrown into the sea by people from many different countries who are living in Tonga. There was a large representation from the Japanese volunteers, JICA,whose senior volunteer is among the missing.
The wharfside meeting was organised by Dean Vete on behalf of the Nuku'alofa Fishing Club. Also attending were members of a Manukau Mayoral delegation and NZPBC business delegates who are visiting Tonga this week.