Families of nine people killed when a U.S. Navy submarine rammed into a Japanese fishing school ship off Hawaii 16 years ago are remembering their loved ones.

The families are expected to attend a ceremony today on a Honolulu hill overlooking the ocean where the vessels collided.

Those killed were on board the Ehime Maru, a training vessel for fisheries students. The submarine’s rudder sliced into the ship’s hull.

A Navy investigation found the USS Greenville’s captain rushed through mandatory safety procedures while demonstrating an emergency surfacing drill.

This year’s ceremony carries special significance under Buddhist custom because it marks the start of the 17th year since the deaths — a special time for healing and remembrance.

Buddhist tradition counts the moment of death as the first year of passing.