Photos by Linny Folau on the MV Pulupaki and Pesi Fonua on the VOEA Pangai.
Families of victims, with floral tributes onboard the MV Pulupaki travel to the Ashika wreck site.
A cluster of orange buoys marks the spot where the Princess Ashika sank in 110m of water, near Nomuka in the Ha'apai group
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.
Engraved on marble, the names of the 74 passengers and crew who were lost on the Princess Ashika. The coffin shaped slab was buried at sea
Navy Guard of Honour
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.
The Tongan Navy form a Guard of Honour as the memorial stone for 74 victims is buried at sea.
The Tongan Navy Guard of Honour, drapes a Tongan flag over the memorial stone.
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.
Memorial stone for the 74 lives lost at sea
The Ashika memorial stone is released into the sea at the spot where the ferry sank
The Princess Regent throws a wreath into the sea
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.
Swimmers attach their wreath to the orange buoys that mark the site of the Ashika sinking
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.
Families and friends of the victims on the MV Pulupaki
On the MV Pulupaki, relatives hold a picture of lost passenger Lavinia Lavaka (60) of Ha'afeva
The sister and mother of lost passenger TDS Staff Sergeant, Simaima Lavemai (41) of Mataika, carry tributes.
A grieving father carries a tribute for his son, lost crew member, Poasi Sailosi Tukuafu (21) of Fasi
Sisters carry tributes for their brother, a lost passenger Manase Mavae (38) of Vaini.
A grandmother clutches a photo of the three lost members of the Finau family: Paea-'i-Latai (32), Ela (33) and Ioane (3) from Tofoa.
A policeman comforts a distressed mourner
A mother bids farewell to her son, Sione Veuveuso 'Elone (34), of Fasi, a lost passenger.
Rev. Feke Mafi prays during the memorial sevice at the site of the sinking of the Princess Ashika
Relatives throw wreaths from the bow of the MV Pulupaki
Small boats carrying mourners from the Ha'apai islands joined the service
