THE bodies of a father and his son, who died in a tragic sea ordeal when their outboard motor powered boat broke down at sea during the New Year season, have now been transported back to their home village in Isabel Province.
The late Fr. John Bako and his son Junior John Bako’s bodies were transported by the MV Maetalau last night shortly after a memorial service conducted for them at Saint Barnabas Cathedral in Honiara.
They were destined for burial and final resting at their home village of Boko.
The duo were with a third companion, the late William Konofia, who was already buried by relatives from Malaita at Kola ridge grave site last Sunday.
Bodies of the trio had been placed at the morgue at the National Referral Hospital since New Year’s Day after they were transported to Honiara from Malaita province where they were found washed ashore on New Year’s Eve.
A search and rescue mission failed to find the three men who earlier reported they were adrift at sea when the outboard motor engine powering their canoe broke down during their trip from Isabel to Honiara on Monday 28th December 2015.
Their bodies were later found washed ashore at Hauhui village, West Are Are, Malaita province on New Year’s Eve.
The bodies were transported to Honiara by Patrol boat Auki on New Year’s Day.
The Marine Division is expected to carry out an internal inquest to establish circumstances surrounding the search and rescue efforts by its officials.
Dean of the St Barnabas Cathedral Rev Davidson Nwaeramo who conducted the memorial service reminded the bereaved family members and friends that as Christians we uphold the Christian doctrine which says “the Lord Gives and takes away life”..
Rev Nwaeramo said it is not easy and is unbearable to lose two members of the family in one day but we must rest our faith in the Lord who gives and takes away life.
Fr.Nwaeramo said the late Fr Bako serves the Anglican Church with faith and has always attended to anyone who calls for his healing ministry.
He said the Church has lost one of its faithful servants and shared the same sympathy with his families with a final blessing “May his soul rest in peace”.
By Charles Kadamana
