The sole person on board a yacht named Sea Oak now in port is confirmed to be a fugitive wanted in Tonga for murder.
When KHJ News spoke with Attorney General Talauega Eleasalo Ale late this afternoon, he said the information he has received so far is that the person on board the yacht is the same one wanted in Tonga, Dean Jay Fletcher.
He said steps will be taken to ensure that there wont be any problems for the people of the territory.
KHJ News has learned that the yacht was cleared to enter earlier and the man on board wanted to refuel however he was unable to as a fuel tanker was in port today.
It’s reported that he was sailing out and had gone as far as Aunuu Island when the Marine Patrol Unit escorted his yacht back into port late this morning.
The yacht then docked at the Marine Patrol Unit next to the inter island dock.
When KHJ News was there, the Caucasian man had sprawled on a bench and was having a nap.
Commissioner of Public Safety Save Liuato Tuitele says Samoa authorities alerted DPS last week bout a fugitive who escaped from Tonga on a yacht.
Save told KHJ News that the man on board the Sea Oak is now being detained on a customs violation, as per the Attorney General’s Office.
The commissioner says the man that police are now holding has the same name as the fugitive wanted in Tonga.
Fletcher escaped from prison in Vava’u, where he was held for the murder of his wife.
He was due to appear in court next week.
