Port Administration is awaiting US Coast Guard approval for the Manu’atele to travel to Samoa to transport members of Team American Samoa to the Pacific Games in Apia.
According to Coast Guard Lt. Al Blasdell, they needed verification on a few things about the vessel before making a decision on the request.
Deputy Director of Port Administration Christopher King says the information that the requested information has been forwarded and Port is now awaiting a decision.
The Manu’atele is not licensed to make international voyages; however, the nature of the trip to take the team to Samoa is considered a non-revenue or non-commercial voyage and Port Administration therefore requests a waiver for the trip.
King said that team members who opt to take the boat will not be paying fares and their cargo will also be transported free of charge.
Acting Governor Lemanu had offered the American Samoa National Olympic Committee use of the Manu’atele to take athletes and cargo to Samoa for the Pacific Games at a meeting he called last month.
At the meeting, Lemanu had also pledged financial assistance from ASG for the team.
However, according to sports federations, they have been told by ASNOC that government funding is now uncertain and they should be prepared to finance their costs to the Games.
ASNOC General Secretary Ethan Lake said their goal was to raise $50,000 and as of last Saturday they had reached $20,000.
The Pacific Games open in Apia on July 7, Samoa time.
Deputy Director King said if Coast Guard approval is granted, the Manu’atele will travel to Apia to drop off the team; the crew and vessel will rest overnight and return the next day.
When the Games close, the Manu’atele will sail to Samoa for the team’s return trip.
Most of the American Samoa contingent for the Pacific Games plan to travel to Apia by air and have already made their travel arrangements so it’s not clear if anyone will be taking the boat once Coast Guard approval is given.
