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Wahine mast becomes memorial

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Thu, 21 Jan 2010 3:11p.m.

The mast at this morning's ceremony (photo: Frank Solomona)

The mast at this morning's ceremony (photo: Frank Solomona)

By Dan Satherley

A mast from sunken ferry the Wahine was unveiled this morning in Korohiwa Bay, Lower Hutt, and will stand memorial to those who died in the tragedy.

The Wahine sank on April 10, 1968, as it struggled in a storm on its entry into Wellington Harbour. Fifty-three people lost their lives.

The mast, which stands 18m tall, has been in Wellington City Council's possession for nine years. It cost the council $45,000 to restore it to the condition it is in today.

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Comments

16 Feb 2010 11:47a.m.

Alan wrote:

April 10 1968, a day etched in my mind like it was yesterday, I was 10 yrs old, living in Worser Bay. I watched as the Wahine entered its final resting place. We could see people leaping from the decks, lifeboats moving away, the Aramoana waiting helplessly. Then watching from Seatoun beach as lifeboats arrived with cold, wet exausted passengers and crew. That night, Fred Foley, the local police officer, he came door knocking, telling all parents to keep there children off the beaches. A frightning time for someone so young as I, a 1000 times frightning for those onboard. The years past, but a constant reminder remained, as I watched the Sharon J make it daily trips from Seatoun to the Homepark, carrying supplies to the salvage crews. All now memories of a time long ago, but memories that have and will never fade. So glad to see a memorial errected, and one so fitting, the mast of the Wahine. Money will spent, thankyou Wgtn City Council. A point of interest for all to see, a memorial to those who perished, a piece of a beautiful lady, the Wahine. R.I.P