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The worst ever modern maritime disaster in New Zealand is the Wahine Tragedy. The tragic incident struck on April 10, 1968, where Wahine, the Lyttelton- Wellington bound ferry sank, and fifty-one people lost their lives the same day. Several weeks later, the number of victims rose to fifty-three, and the last surviving victim died in 1990 due to injuries he sustained during the wreck.
The Wahine tragedy marked another level in New Zealand’s broadcasting industry, and all television stations beamed images of the disaster right on everyone’s screen. The whole world soon got a grasp of the footage as the international media focused their spotlight on Wellington. There were several shipwrecks in the 19th century, but the Wahine Tragedy was one of the most unforgettable accidents since it was a larger and more modern vessel.
The primary cause of the mishap was not unconnected with the dreadful weather condition, and further investigations also acknowledged that another reason was based on wrong judgments made by ferry and board crew onshore. Eager rescuers stood helplessly at the Seatoun Beach and wearily watched the Wahine sank deeply. Reporters claim it’s one of the worst storms ever in New Zealand.
Events are being marked annually to remember the deadly mishap and also pay respect to the victims of the accident; prominent of all these events was the 50th Anniversary, which was held in 2018. Below are highlights of the event –
The event took place at Murital School Hall in Eastbourne, Wellington, and started at exactly 6.00 am. Jacinda Ardern, the New Zealand Prime Minister, did the opening speech, who began by paying tribute to the 53 victims of the disaster, commiserated with their families and also the 683 survivors. He said that the catastrophe had defined several generations and their purpose of being New Zealanders even if its 50 long years after.
He was quoted saying, “Acts of courage cast a light on one of our darkest days," The inter-island ferry, traveling from Lyttelton to Wellington, hit Barrett Reef in Wellington Harbour on the morning of April 10, 1968, and sank hours later near Steeple Rock.
Ardern recalled how the Seatoun and Eastbourne communities assisted survivors ashore and took care of them before the police and civil defense took over their welfare.
After his speech, Dame Patsy Reddy, the Governor-General, paid her tribute, which was followed immediately by Justin Lester, the Wellington Mayor. Clive Conland, a veteran journalist with the Dominion who was also present at the event, recalled the excitement he had reporting on the disaster scene and how his excitement died when he and other reporters realised the severity of the mishap.
A song rendition followed this by the Wellington Choir, and by 8.30 am, there was a marvelous display of photos and memorabilia of Wahine by students of Murital School, Eastbourne. Exhibitions and talks about Wahine were done from 10.00 am – 8.30 pm at the Wellington Museum, Queen's Wharf, Wellington.
Other activities that were carried out included – the search and rescue display, Wahine mast memorial at Frank Kitts Park, Wahine Display, and noon tea. The event ended at 5.30 pm with the Annual NZ Search & Rescue Awards ceremony
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