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Tributes have been flooding in from the public for the victims of the Pike River mine tragedy.
The ONE News Facebook page and messageboard have seen people from around the country and world express their sorrow at the disaster which claimed 29 lives at the West Coast mine, and offer their condolences to the friends and families of the victims.
People were holding out hope for a miracle after last Friday's explosion, but those hopes were dashed by a second blast today which saw Pike CEO Peter Whittall tell the families no-one could have survived.
Prime Minister John Key later delivered an emotional speech , saying the disaster was a "national tragedy".
Members of the public have clearly keenly felt the scope of the disaster, offering prayers, thoughts and messages of solidarity to all those affected.
Commenting on Facebook Wendy Sadgrove shared the thoughts of many when she said: "To all of the miners' family and friends. Our hearts go out to you and are thinking of you at this sad time. All our love and wishes, The Sadgrove Family, KeriKeri."
Wes Malcolm and Kim Eagle offered similar sentiments.
"My heart goes out to all familys affected on coast who are suffering with their huge losses. Rest in peace & God bless & strengthen you all. The whole nation are all with you in this," said Wes.
"To all the families, friends and workmates of the brave 29! May you get some strength from the memories that you have and share...of what wonderful men you all had! Our hearts go out to you all! It is times like this that make our nation strong! Sincerest condolences. RIP brave men of Pike River!" said Kim.
Sheryl Teller said: "I am finding it hard to hold back my tears for the miners and their whanau, I am still in shock and i've never gone to church in my life but I really feel the need to go to a service for them which I hope my city has soon to pay my respect and grieve the loss of these great men who didn't know their fate that day, just a normal day going to work like most of us do everywhere.xx? prays and blessingsxx."
"I am sorry that we could not save you," said Damian Adamski, with Glenn Trethowenour saying "thoughts are with you all the way, so sorry at this terrible outcome".
Geoff Wood: "29 brave men will never come home from work may god be with all the families and give them the strength they need right now to get through this tragedy."
Kelly Scott-Haenga added: "A word of love to all the whanau of the men who have passed on and gone into the night. He mihi aroha ki nga whanau katoa o nga tangata kua mate, kua haere ki te po. Such heartbreak and sadness felt by us all who hoped and prayed for your safe return, may you suffer no more."
Many said they hoped the miners would rest in peace, and that they would not be forgotten.
Joel Neurangi Latimer: "To the families and friends of the perished miners, all of New Zealand is behind you and we do grieve as a nation on this tragic day. The miners will never be forgotten, I hope they rest in peace."
Mark Rijns said: "Thoughts, Prayers and Condolences to all those effected by this tragedy. Rest in Peace."
Steve Thomson McAteer: "both my partner Linda and my thoughts are with the family of our lots heros and the community. Such a tragic loss of life. May you all find eventual closure. Rest in peace."
"RIP you fathers, brothers, sons, husbands, boyfriends, uncles - we stand by your loved ones for now and forever," said Heather Foggett.
Ryan-Emmz Cavalier-Jones: "just want 2 say you guys are awesome for going into a job you didnt know you werent guna come out of kia kaha nz and the world are mourning for you's, your all champs."
Iona Harrison: "Our thoughts and prayers go out to all your families. Rest in peace."
"If only the love, thoughts and prayers of a nation could ease your pain and burden. May your boys rest in peace. With heartfelt condolences from one family to another," said Elizabeth Jury.
Joanne Marsland said "no words I offer will take away the pain you all must be feeling, just know that my family and I are thinking of you in your darkest hour and I will light a candle of remembrance tonight at 9pm and think of you all."
"Our thoughts are with you all at this very very sad time," Robyn Cahill shared, as did Steph Thorpe saying "Our thoughts are with the family at this sad time. RIP the 29 miners."
Others shared John Key's belief that New Zealand is a "a nation in mourning".
"Blessings to all those affected by this terrible tragedy. The whole nation mourns with you, and wishes you strength as you attempt to move forward from this. May the men rest in peace," said Josh Klazinga.
Rachel McLennan described watching the faces of the men as "heartbreaking" and said "much Aroha to the families and friends ... the whole of NZ grieves with you x."
Ialiva Esekielu said: "This is truly a black day for our country. A day we will never forget because it will now be part of our history. Our thoughts and comforts to the many family and friends who have lost loved ones on this tragic and dark day. God bless the the 29 men who lost their lives today and may he provide them with a place next to him in heaven. Kia Kaha NZ."
And Melissa McSeveny shared the Prime Ministers exact words: "To me John Key said it best...."we send our sympathies to the children who have lost their fathers, the parents who have lost sons, the wives who have lost their husbands, the girlfriends who have lost their partners, the siblings who have ...lost their brothers" My heart goes out to you all."
Tributes came in from people overseas, also affected with two Britons, one South African and two Australians lost in the disaster.
Kim Shaw said "Am not a NZ resident but was on holiday there earlier this year and was in Greymouth and surrounding area and have family on the north island. I have followed this story on your pages and am deeply saddened by this news - my heart felt sympathies to you all at this awful time and the families of those who have lost their loved one. You are a beautiful land with lovely people - keep strong at this awful time."
Lorena Blagrove sent her thoughts from across the Tasman: "Aroha to the families and the people of Greymouth from aussie xoxox."
New Zealander Louise Wright said "Prayers from Kiwi's in Melbourne, Australia. The company I worked for (I'm the only kiwi) observed a minutes silence today for those who lost their lives and their loved ones in the Pike River Mine tradgedy. Kia Kaha, stand strong."
Elisiva Ashby, another New Zealander in Australia said: "Very
sad!! On behalf of my little family i send all our deepest love to
the miners & their families. Kiwis in Oz are mourning with you
all."
Dixonb24 wrote from Cork, Ireland. I am sure I speak for all ex-pat
Kiwis as well as all in Ireland when I say our heartfelt
condolences and deepest sympathies go out to all those affected by
this tragedy. Family , friends, workmates and acquaintances will
all be grieving for their loved ones. This sad day will be forever
embedded in NZ history.
Many found it hard to express their grief and condolences in words, but offered prayers and support.
Vivienne Ong: "I want to say so much, but no words seems suitable. I feel deep sorrow, but I cannot begin to imagine what the families and colleagues of the mine workers are going through. Be strong; and know we care. **BIG HUG**."
Colleen Montgomery said she is "lost for words".
"I really don't know what to say. The pain I am feeling at the lost of these men, men who I have never met, is overwhelming, so what must it be like for you, the families and friends of these men. All of New Zealand waited for good news. In our minds we were there with you, watching and waiting.But it was not to be. I wish I could say something healing, but although I feel so much, the words remain deep inside me. Aroha nui. Colleen Montgomery."
Sheryl added: "We have been watching and waiting since Friday and praying they would be rescued ... my heart aches for all those men even the two who got out alive and of course nga whanau..you went into work doing a job you were dedicated to not knowing something would happen that black friday never to leave alive there is still a part of me that is hopeful someone managed to hide somewhere and is waiting yes we know its a big hope if not then so be it :( Prayers love and support to yall from me my mom her partner my little sister and my brother bless."
Finally, Reba Pottinger shared this poem:
Tears flood like West Coast rain
Our boys are gone - now the pain
A feral shore built on hard graft
Many lives lost down the shaft
I can hear the Coast weep and cry
Wondering why their sons had to die
So my friends reflect for a time
On good men lost - the Pike 29
Note: Contributions have been published unedited.
Details of how to donate to the Miners' Fund can be
found on
this
page.
Share your condolences to the friends and families of the men lost
in the Pike River Mine on our messageboard below.
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Add a Comment:
Post new commenttit4tat said on 2010-12-03 @ 18:25 NZDT: Report abusive post
condolences to the families, concern about the industry that allowed these men to work in unsafe conditions, mines are dangerous thats true but none can put their hands on their hearts and claim they have gone above and beyond what is lawfully required of them to ensure their "mates" safety. Glenn Grindly could lead the way by ensuring his mine workers and his local community are 110% protected people b4 profit yeah right!!!
tropicalkiwi said on 2010-12-02 @ 23:35 NZDT: Report abusive post
To the families of the miners, my condolences. My thoughts have been with over the last 13 days, I have shed tears for your loss and hope that the support you have been shown in some small way helps. You will remain in my thoughts.
james q said on 2010-12-02 @ 17:17 NZDT: Report abusive post
Tragedy has brought Australia & New Zealand together yet again. My thought are with the West Coasters in NZ from the west coast of Australia.
wellthatsafinemess said on 2010-12-02 @ 13:50 NZDT: Report abusive post
when your here your here when your gone your gone there is nothing to be said there is nothing can be done and when the bell tolls your on the final run to your maker you may fly upon wings of mercy sigh forever you will be in our hearts & our minds eye Rest in Peace Gentlemen.
turret said on 2010-12-02 @ 13:27 NZDT: Report abusive post
to hear your voice,to see you smile to sit and talk to you a while to be together the same old way that would be our greatest wish wish today.....to hear you laugh,to hear you cry on just a chance,to say goodbye to say the things we didn't say that would be our greatest wish today But all we can dois throw flowers on the water look fo the sun through the rain Lay a little flower gentle on the water Remember how we loved you to comb you hair,to lace your boots buy some beer ,let you choose .