Small hole found in hull of MV Sili

sili-april

A small hole the size of a dime in the hull of the MV Sili was how the vessel took on water last Saturday while docked at the service wharf in Fagatogo.

The Sili will be out of service for a while as its engines, electrical systems and other apparatus in the engine room were submerged.

Deputy Director of Port Administration Christopher King said Sean Gregg did an underwater inspection of the vessel after water was pumped out and a hole was discovered in the boat’s hull.

The hole has been patched.

Port Administration will carry out a thorough inspection of the vessel to determine what needs to be replaced and the cost of repairs.

King expects that the boat will be out of commission for some time.

He said the shipyard will not be available to carry out any repairs until next month as the ship repair facility is also being upgraded.

King says the vessel’s fuel tanks were not affected.

Port Administration hopes to remove all of the oil and fuel on board the vessel.

Even after the arrival of the Manuatele, the MV Sili has been delivering people and cargo between Tutuila and Manu’a as it is able to dock at the wharfs in Ofu and Faleasao unlike the Manu’atele which has to anchor off shore while alia carry people and cargo to and from.