By Spokesman Newsroom
BASSETERRE, St. Kitts (Wednesday 2nd August 2023) – “Although we cannot undo previous mistakes, this 53rd memorial service links our past to present. We have risen from the depths of despair. Over the years, we have implemented measures to strengthen our maritime laws to protect us and keep us safe and by the mercies of God, we have avoided another major disaster.” Event Chairperson of the 53rd Commemorative Service for the MV Christena disaster Marjorie Brandy expressed such sentiments while addressing the audience on Tuesday 1st August 2023 at the Hamilton House grounds in Nevis.
She highlighted that Nevisian writer, Mr. Whitman T. Browne in his book ‘The Christena Disaster Revisted’, recaps the following: “On August 1st 1970, the inter-island ferry Christena suffered a crippling fate. A blanket of gloom fell upon the people of St.
Kitts and Nevis shutting out the hot sun. When the shroud lifted, two entire societies laid dazed and listless groping in shock, fear and anger. A few even dangled dangerously on the brink of insanity. The Christena disaster was the largest and the most impactful maritime disaster in the history of the young nation of St.
Kitts and Nevis. It affected thousands of lives and changed the course of many in this our beloved federation.” Brandy shared that the disaster occurred on August 1st, a Saturday before August Monday when the entire nation was preparing to commemorate the abolition of slavery with its usual lavish celebrations.
“On this particular Saturday, due to the large crowd of persons at the pier, Captain Ponteen made the decision to leave the pier a few minutes early. As the Christena head off to St. Kitts, no – LOCAL NEWS – 3 one on board imagine that that would be the final crossing.
On that historic and fateful afternoon, there was a wide range of individuals taking just another routine trip on the overcrowded ferry built to carry 155 passengers but carrying over 300. Persons on board including government ministers, nurses, teachers, students, vendors, nuns, persons travelling to visit families and persons travelling for entertainment etc.
Although the journey was a little rocky from the outset, initially passengers generally took everything in stride but as the journey continued complacency turned into discomfort and concern due to the frightening movement of the ferry. As the ferry moved closer to Nag’s Head and the Narrow’s Channel, it became impossible to negotiate and survive the ocean’s swells.
About 1.5 kilometres from Nag’s Head, the inevitable occurred and the ocean engulfed the struggling vessel. We thank God for herculean efforts of the rescuers who made possible the survival of some 91 persons. However, over 233 persons lost their lives in this tragedy.” she went on to say: “The impact on our small island nation was colossal and the loss of such a large number of persons in one disaster was not an easy ordeal to surmount and survive.
Inspite of the disaster, the story of that fateful August afternoon is also one of survival for we are a strong, resilient and courageous and hopeful people. Although we cannot undo previous mistakes, this 53rd memorial service links our past to present.
We have risen from the depths of despair. Over the years, we have implemented measures to strengthen our maritime laws to protect us and keep us safe and by the mercies of God, we have avoided another major disaster. As we take time today to remember those who lost their lives in this tragedy, we know that it would never be forgotten by those who survived and by those who lost their loved ones.” “May the departed continue to rest in peace, and as a people, may we never lose sight of the fact that every event we face, be it positive or negative can be manipulated to bring out the tremendous potential which lies within all of us,” Brandy added.
