More photos of Ashika Memorial at sea [1]
Ha'apai, Tonga
Wednesday, August 26, 2009 - 23:00. Updated on Thursday, May 29, 2014 - 09:41.
Part Two: Photos by Linny Folau on the MV Pulupaki and Pesi Fonua on the VOEA Pangai.
A mass fuenral ceremony at sea for the 74 people who were lost when the Princess Ashika sank 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.
Nuku'alofa harbour at dawn on Tuesday 25 August 2009.
Mourners board the MV Pulupaki at dawn, on their way to the site of the Ashika sinking.
The sister and mother of Staff Sergeant Simaima Lavemai, on board the MV Pulupaki.
The family of lost passenger, Senileva Taufa Pole (52) of Ha'ateiho.
Families move to the bow of the MV Pulupaki to take turns making tribute to the lost.
Flowers, mats and other tributes are thrown from the bow onto the site of the Ashika wreck.
The Tongan relatives of lost Niuean police officer, Sisiliah Rachelmana Puleheloto (24).
Bearing oil as a tribute, JICA volunteers remember lost marine engineer, Hiroshi Umeda (70).
Representives of the Governors office in Vava'u, with Noble Tangipa from the Niuas.
Families throw tributes from the bow of the MV Pulupaki.
Relatives of lost bridegroom, Sione Valele 'Elone (43) of Fasi.
See more pictures-
Part One: Mass burial at sea for Ashika victims (Part One). [1]
Part Three: Part three, Ashika Memorial at sea [2]
See also: Tributes celebrate lives lost at sea [3]
Outer Islands [7]