Grieving Tongans gather to pray

Tongans in New Zealand are gathering to pray for the victims and families of those involved in the tragedy in their homeland.

The Rev Mosese Valeasiuola, superintendent minister for the Free Wesleyan Church of Tonga, said Tongans in New Zealand were feeling for their people back home.

Families were gathering last night to remember the dead and pray for those affected by the tragedy, Mr Valeasiuola said.

"It's very hard. I can't speak [about what's happened]. It's very hard for us to express our feelings."

Mr Valeasiuola said prayers began yesterday morning, when news of the sinking first arrived in New Zealand.

"We have a theme to pray for everybody at times like this, for the crew, the survivors and those who have died.

"It's a sad time, very sad for us and we ask God for help for the families who have lost their members."

He said there was also anger, with many people questioning why so many of the ferry crew escaped and not the passengers.

Mr Valeasiuola said: "I question the captain and the crew who escaped - it looks like they've run away from the ferry, when they should've stayed back to help others."

A remembrance service will be held this morning at Wesley College in Pukekohe - where a large number of the students are Tongan - for the victims.

Wesley's chaplain, the Rev Sylvia 'Akau'ola Tongotongo, said many of the students were only just hearing about the tragedy.

"We do not know of anyone who is family to those who have not been recovered," Mrs 'Akau'ola Tongotongo said.

"But our school is like a family - whatever happens in the Pacific [Islands] affects us. And we pray for those families in the islands."

'Ilifeleti Samiu, of Mt Wellington, said his family were thankful that his sister-in-law and brother-in-law - who were due to make a return trip on the ferry - did not get on board.

"My wife and three daughters, we called them tonight.

"They were supposed to sail on that journey, but they didn't - so they are very lucky."

Mr Samiu said it was a bittersweet occasion.

"What we're doing is praying and wishing and expecting positive things to happen.

"But it's very, very sad," he said.

Special services will take place at Tongan churches throughout the country today and tomorrow, Mr Valeasiuola said, and larger prayer services will be held on Sunday.