KEY POINTS:
Wahine survivors and their rescuers are reuniting today, as the 40th anniversary of the sinking of the inter-island ferry is held in Wellington.
In contrast to the hellish 1968 storm which sank the Wahine in Wellington harbour, the commemorations will take place on a cloudless autumn day and a light breeze.
The Wahine sinking claimed 51 lives on April 10, with two others dying later as a result of injuries sustained on that day.
Those two names have been added to a list of casualties devised by the Museum of Wellington, which organised the commemorations.
May Elizabeth Brightwell was added to the list today, nearly 40 years after the coroner ruled she died of injuries received in the sinking.
Gordon Hick was added to the museum list 18 years ago, when he died young as the result of brain damage as a baby when the ferry sank.
Rescuers are also being honoured, with a Wellington City Council plaque unveiled in the harbourside Frank Kitts Park this morning.
Other events include a private wreath-laying ceremony, an unveiling of the updated list of those who lost their lives and a visit to the Wahine memorial on Miramar peninsula, in view of where the ship sank.
- NZPA
