GAME ON IN CAIRNS
RUGBY LEAGUE WORLD CUP
THE man who will lead the service for the crew of the stricken Dianne trawler hopes it will be a chance for the Cairns community to wrap their arms around their devastated family and friends.
Munro Martin Parklands is expected to be packed on Tuesday night in tribute to the fishermen whose vessel sank off Central Queensland almost two weeks ago.
Ruben McDornan, 32, is believed to be the only survivor after treading water for hours in rough conditions.
He and wife Sammy returned home to Cairns this week.
Cairns police chaplain Doug Foster will conduct the service, which will include a candle-lighting ceremony and tributes to each of the men, six of whom are from Cairns.
“I’m hopeful it might be helpful for some of the families, in the sense of being surrounded by supporters and to help with not feeling so alone,” he said.
“It will be a vigil of support and care for the families, friends and colleagues too. It is just a further reminder that with all the difficult things that happen in the world, there is that warmth of humanity that always comes to the fore in times of tragedy.”
The bodies of skipper Ben Leahy, 45, and Adam Hoffman, 30, were found inside the sunken vessel by police divers.
The four other crew, Eli Tonks, 39, Adam Bidner, 33, Chris Sammut, 34, and Zach Feeney, 28, remain missing.
The official search is set to be scaled back, although many families remain at the scene conducting their own searches.
Cairns Mayor Bob Manning said the tragedy had deeply impacted the Cairns community.
“This is a heartbreaking event that has touched many people in our community and beyond,” he said. “Seven young men went to sea doing what they loved and then the unthinkable happened. My heart goes out to their families and friends.”
“It’s at the darkest of times that communities are at their strongest. We hope that this opportunity to jointly reflect on the lives and legacies of these young men will provide strength and support to all involved.”
The event was organised by the Cairns Regional Council in conjunction with the men’s families and friends.