An alia fishing boat which left Samoa on a fishing trip on February 16, ran out of fuel and drifted to Tutuila over the weekend.
The boat with three men on board anchored behind the Terriorial Administration on Aging Office in Pago Pago after 3:00 Saturday morning and the Marine Patrol unit was alerted. Immigration authorities also responded.
The three on board were all well.
Commissioner of Public Safety Le’i Sonny Thompson confirmed that the boat was inspected for any contraband and there was none.
He said the boat had been drifting for a few days and the men decided to conserve their fuel until they could sight land and then use their remaining fuel to land. And that’s what they did.
Chief Immigration officer Petesa Dennis Fuimaono said Governor Lolo Moliga upon learning of the fishing boat’s misfortune instructed that the men on board be well taken care of.
He said the governor offered his personal residence for the men to stay until arrangement s could be made for their return.
Commissioner Le’i said a relative of one of the fishermen in Laulii took them in.
And the owner of the vessel in Samoa is arriving tomorrow to make arrangements for the boat’s return to Apia.
