Harbor Master Silila Patane is urging village leaders to please refer any boats arriving on their shores to the harbor in Fagatogo as that is the only sea port of entry in the territory.
His advice comes after a yacht which left port last week apparently decided to dock off Fagasa village and remained there for a few days.
The yacht was called Beach Flea and had on board a couple and their children.
According to Patane, when the yacht left port its next destination was supposed to be Apia, however instead of sailing directly to Apia it decided to berth off Fagasa.
According to the harbor master the occupants of the yacht came on land and moved around freely.
Patane said he accidently ran into the owner of the yacht in a government office and told him that he had violated the law by entering the territory from Fagasa.
Patane wants to remind village authorities that Fagatogo is the only port of entry and any boats that dock off their shores should be reported to police.
He said authorities like quarantine, health, customs have to check every vessel that comes in to make sure there’s no contraband , disease and other threats.
He asked that village leaders be more alert as a simple act like welcoming a yacht on shore can spell disaster in this day and age.
