HONOLULU -- Survivors of the Ehime Maru tragedy and Hawaii officials gathered Sunday to remember the deadly submarine collision that took the lives of nine students and crew members of the Japanese fishing vessel two years ago.

The USS Greenville submarine slammed into the Ehime Maru on Feb. 9, 2001 off Diamond Head.

The ceremony began with several moments of silence at 1:42 p.m., the moment of the collision.

The event was held at the Ehime Maru memorial, which sits on a hill at Kakaako Waterfront Park, overlooking the ocean where the tragedy took place.

Survivors from the fishing boat were there along with family members of those who perished. The Coast Guard and Navy sent representatives. Former Capt. Scott Waddle, the skipper of the submarine that hit the fishing boat was not here.

Japanese officials announced Sunday that a new ship named Ehime Maru has been launched in Japan and is expected to visit Hawaii in May.

Officials from Japan and Hawaii said they hope the tragedy will bring the people of the islands and Japan together.

The father of one victim whose body was never found said he is grateful for the memorial.

The governor of Ehime Prefecture presented certificates of appreciation to students at St. Louis School and Iolani School. The students clean and care for the memorial.

At the conclusion of the ceremony survivors, family members, and other officials went up in groups to lay flowers at the memorial to pay their respects.