Wahine: Putting the pain to rest
Wahine survivor ‘devastated’ at rescuer’s death
Wahine survivor recalls ’shuddering feeling’
NZ’s worst storm
Wahine tragedy remembered
After rounding a headland on the Pencarrow shore, she stops to stare out at the jagged rocks being gently nudged by an incoming tide.
It was close to here that she came ashore 40 years ago, after floating for 3%26frac12; hours in the seething water, surrounded by bodies.
Here, the memories come back as strong as ever. I wasnt sure how I would feel coming back here, seeing this all again, she says.
It has been gnawing away there, that I really must make myself come back, and I must confront this pain, and I must confront this emotion, and I must put it to bed.
Forty years ago today, the Wahine sailed into this same harbour in the worst storm the city has endured. The ferry hit Barrett Reef, foundered , then rolled near Steeple Rock, just off Seatoun beach.
Fifty-three people died, most drowning off the eastern coast.
Ms Vanzetti was one of the last off the ferry, thrown into a liferaft, only for the raft to be capsized by a giant wave.
She drifted out to sea, tossed around on huge swells.
She was entirely alone and thought she would die.
Somehow she made it ashore, to this shore, and survived while so many others perished.
Apart from in her nightmares, this is the first time Ms Vanzetti has returned to Wellington.
Her last memory before reaching the shore was seeing a woman smashed against rocks, that is what used to wake me up at night…
Seeing the harbour - and the city - again has helped her heal.
I only saw Wellington from rocks, waves … the dead bodies everywhere. And then I left … and I had no pretty pictures. Now Im putting the pieces together. Its wonderful to be back.
IN MEMORIAM
The Museum of Wellington, on Queens Wharf, is the main focus of todays commemorations. Its programme includes:
9.45am: Private wreath-laying ceremony and prayer led by Dean Frank Nelson.
10.00am: Unveiling of updated list of those who lost their lives.
1.30pm: Guided bus trip departs for Eastbourne and Pencarrow lighthouse.
3.30pm: Wahine day weather discussed by meteorologist Philip Dickson.
Other events include:
9.15am: WCC unveils a plaque for rescuers at the Wahine mast in Frank Kitts Park.
11.15am: A link added to the chain at the Wahine Memorial in Seatouns Churchill Park. Courtesy bus departs from the museum at 10.30am.
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Saturday, April 12th, 2008 at 7:00 pm under