Photos by Linny Folau on the MV Pulupaki and Pesi Fonua on the VOEA Pangai.

A mass funeral ceremony at sea for the 74 people lost on the Princess Ashika on August 5, was held at midday yesterday, August 25, at the spot where the ferry sank, 11 nautical miles, south-west of Nomuka Island, in Tonga's Ha'apai Group, where about 500 people gathered on a flotilla of boats.

The mass burial at sea for the 72 who went down with the ship (only two bodies were recovered) was a dignified and emotional ceremony that recognised the great loss of the many families affected throughout Tonga.

It was a historical event in many ways, because Tongans culturally expect to bury their dead in a family graveyard, where they can continue to pay tributes.

Families

Three ships, an inter-island ferry, and the two patrol boats of the Tongan Navy, left Nuku'alofa early, sailing on glassy seas into a brilliant orange dawn. About 300 relatives and friends of the lost passengers and crew, traveled on the MV Pulupaki, with 50 on each of the patrol boats, including the Princess Regent HRH Princess Pilolevu Tuita, the Prime Minister, Hon. Dr Feleti Sevele, government officials, and foreign diplomats. There were also seven small boats from Ha'apai who were allowed to travel to the restricted area. Also on board the MV Pulupakiwere the Deputy Prime Minister Dr Viliami Tangi, the Police Commander Chris Kelley, the Police Band, some Cabinet Ministers and members of Parliament.

Traveling on board the VOEA Pangai, were church leaders including Rev. Dr 'Ahio, the Royal Chaplain; Rev. Dr Feke Mafi, president of the Chiefly Church of Tonga; Pastor Manu Latu, the president of the Seventh Day Adventist Church; Fr. Tu'iniua Finau, the Vicar General of the Anglican Church; Moseniolo 'Ita Koloamatangi, Vicar General of the Catholic Church; Rev. Dr Tevita Koloa'ia Havea, the Secretary General of the Free Wesleyan Church of Tonga; and Elder Lynn McMurray, a representative of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints; as well as the Governor of Ha'apai, Noble Malupo; and another police brass band.

Memorial stone

On the VOEA Pangai, a navy guard of honour laid the Tongan flag over a memorial stone, shaped like a coffin and engraved with the names of the 74 Ashika passengers and crew who lost their lives at sea.

The vessels gathered around a point where four orange buoys floated in the water marking the last position of the Princess Ashika. It was a fine day and the sea was reasonably calm with the usual rolling waves of the deep sea. As the service began, the sound of people singing, music and the cries of the bereaved filled the air.

Then as the ship's bell began to toll there was suddenly dead silence, followed by the playing of the Last Post, then a short prayer, before the memorial stone was released into the sea. As the stone disappeared into the deep water there was an outburst of wailing and crying.

Wreaths

After the Princess Regent, and members of the Royal family lowered their wreaths, followed by the Prime Minister and the diplomats from Japan, Australia and New Zealand , the families and relatives of the deceased took turns to lower or throw their wreaths from the bow of the MV Pulupaki.

Smaller boats laden with people moved closer to the buoys to lay their wreaths, and two boys jumped into water to tie their wreaths to the buoys, another woman did the same, before the navy boys stopped people from jumping into the water of the open sea.

The last wreath was lowered, then the brass band played the farewell hymn, with final salutes from Cmdr. Kelley, who stood with the Acting Minister of Police, Dr Viliami Tangi on the bow of the vessel.

See more pictures at:

Part Two More photos of Ashika Memorial at sea [2]

Part Three: Ashika Memorial at sea [3]