Sombre Sunday, as Tonga prays for Ashika victims

Sombre Sunday, as Tonga prays for Ashika victims [1]

Nuku'alofa,Tonga

Monday, August 10, 2009 - 17:06. Updated on Thursday, August 6, 2015 - 12:24.

Photos by Pesi Fonua and Pat Car

HRH Prince Tu'ipelehake lays a wreath on the last mooring of the MV Princess Ashika.

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.

Mrs Suliana 'Afeaki, visitors and local residents at the evening prayers on Queen Salote Wharf.

Evening prayers at Queen Salote Wharf.

Sunday remembrance at the last mooring of the Ashika.

The Mayor of Manukau attends the Sunday evening memorial on the Queen Salote Wharf.

JICA volunteers pay their repects at the evening memorial for the Ashika tragedy.

Mrs Tafolosa Karalus with flowers.

Flowers are thrown over the last mooring place of the MV Princess Ashika.

Flowers are thrown into the sea at the Queen Salote Wharf.

Evening prayers at Queen Salote Wharf.

Queen Salote Wharf.

HRH Prince Tu'ipelehake.

Evening prayers at Queen Salote Wharf.

Sunday evening service at the Free Wesleyan Church of Tonga, Nuku'alofa.

A JICA volunteer is comforted by a friend during the Sunday evening service at the Free Wesleyan Church of Tonga, Nuku'alofa.

Outer Islands [2]