By Linny Folau

Crown Prince Tupouto'a Lavaka and Crown Princess Nanasipau'u Tuku'aho joined bereaved families for a Memorial Service in remembrance of the Ashika victims this morning at the Sa Paula Free Wesleyan Church at Pea, Tongatapu.

The church was filled with grieving families and before service began the Crown Prince personally met and hugged surviving crew members, and afterwards hugged and kissed family members.

The President of the Free Wesleyan Church of Tonga, Rev Dr 'Ahio, led the memorial service, attended by the Prime Minister Hon Dr Feleti Sevele, the Deputy Prime Minister Hon Dr Viliami Tangi, cabinet ministers and parliamentarians.

During the service Crown Prince Tupouto'a Lavaka delivered a heartfelt message, remembering those whose lives were lost on the Princess Ashika.

"At the same time we celebrate those who were saved, not all was lost," he said.

"Memories are all we have of those loved ones and perhaps these memories show the fragility of life and that we should always treat those close to us as if we would never see them again."

End of operations

The Crown Prince added that today's service also marked the completion of the search and rescue operation and he wished that God will give families the peace and strength during this difficult time and extended his condolences and sympathies to all.

The Crown Prince commended the joint efforts of all aspects of Tongan society, the people, police, defence services and the New Zealand and Australian Navies who came together and helped each other in this time of crisis.