Frankston mourns fisherman Andres Pancha with touching pier tribute vigil

Friends, family, fellow fisherman and members of the Frankston community have gathered to honour slain Cranbourne North dad Andres Pancha at a moving memorial service.

Those gathered at the vigil for Andres Pancha. Picture: Facebook/Advance Frankston

Friends, family, fellow fisherman and members of the Frankston community all braved near freezing conditions Saturday morning at Frankston Pier to honour 45-year-old fisherman, Andres Pancha, who was stabbed to death at the location just seven days earlier.

The Filipino father of three was found unresponsive on the pier on June 29 following an alleged assault.

Mr Pancha was fishing at his regular spot when ­allegedly set upon by homeless man Forrest Stevenson, 36.

A sister of Mr Pancha spoke to those gathered saying the family had found comfort in the support of the community.

A moving dawn vigil in memory of Andres Pancha at Frankston Pier. Picture: Facebook/Jodie Belyea MP

Mr Pancha was fishing at his regular spot when he was allegedly set upon.

“We are all the siblings of Andres, we would like to thank everyone for coming, for those who sent condolences, for those who showed respect to my brother, those who offered prayers and support,” she said.

“All your love and support really helps ease the pain of the family.”

Those gathered at the vigil then solemnly listened to Hallelujah by Jeff Buckley before moving down the pier and stopping to pay their respects at a floral tribute which had been set up in the week following Mr Pancha’s death.

A moving dawn vigil in memory of Andres Pancha at Frankston Pier this morning. Source: Paul Edbrooke MP /Facebook

Mr Pancha was a regular at Frankston pier, fishing there once or twice a week.

Those that attended then took to Facebook to speak about the service.

“A moving dawn vigil in memory of Andres Pancha at Frankston Pier this morning,” Frankston state Labor MP Paul Edbrooke wrote.

“In the most trying of times, the strength of our Frankston community shines through. Thank you to all who attended.”

“A moving dawn vigil in memory of Andres Pancha at Frankston Pier,” posted Dunkley federal Labor MP Jodie Belyea.

“Condolences to Andres family and friends on their loss. The spirit of the community of Frankston shines through in moments such as these.”

The vigil of Andres Pancha at Frankston Pier. Picture: Facebook/Advance Frankston

“Attended the vigil of Andres Pancha at Frankston Pier this morning at 7am,” a Frankston local said. “He tragically lost his life while fishing.

“Mayor of Frankston, Nathan Conroy was in attendance with his wife and son, along with councillors, the SES, police, paramedics and also the Filipino community and our community of Frankston.

“Rest in eternal peace and we offer our deepest condolences and sympathies to the family.”

Police said Mr Pancha and Mr Stevenson were not known to each other.

Wearing a disposable face mask and T-shirt, the accused killer appeared lucid as he faced the Melbourne Magistrates Court last Sunday charged with a single count of murder.

Mr Stevenson was remanded to reappear in court on ­November 6.