In 1975, while off the coast of Northland, disaster struck aboard a New Caledonian freighter, the Capitaine Bougainville.
The ship caught fire, forcing the 29 crew and eight passengers on board to abandon it.
Despite Whananaki locals best efforts to save everyone, sixteen people died.
A commemorative service has been held to mark 50 years since the tragedy and among the guests was the captain - now over 90 years old.
Shaun Tepania is the principal of Whananaki School and spoke to Jesse.
