A memorial service was conducted at Moroni High School on Wednesday February 7 to honour those who lost their lives and others who are missing following last month’s ferry tragedy.
Passengers on the MS Butiraoi included other members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
A list of those missing has not yet been released by authorities.
Among those attending last week's memorial service were His Excellency Taneti Mamau, President of Kiribati, and First Lady, Teiraeng Mamau; Members of Parliament from South Tarawa and Maiana islands; Latter-day Saint leader, Penisula T. Mwemwenikeaki; family members, teachers and friends.
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“Darkness hovers over Kiribati as it mourns the lost lives of those involved in this sea incident,” President Mamau told those in attendance.
“I and all members of the government are devastated, as you are, by this tragic incident.”
He went on to talk of the resilience of the Kiribati people, and then thanked The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints for its willingness and readiness to offer aid and support to the government in times of crisis, but more importantly for leading people to live good lives.
In emotional words shared by the parents of Aroita Tokintekai, who died in the accident, they expressed gratitude for the knowledge of eternal families. They spoke of the peace they have because they know they will see their daughter again.
Principal of Moroni High School, Banririe Nenebati, also spoke to those in attendance, offering words of comfort.
Commenting on the tragedy, Elder O. Vincent Haleck, President of the Pacific Area of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, said, “We are deeply saddened by the news of this tragic event. Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Kiribati during this time of mourning and pray that the Lord’s blessings of comfort and peace will rest upon family and friends of those who lost their lives.”
Read more about the ferry tragedy here.