The MV Manuatele returned to Tutuila yesterday afternoon, following an incident Saturday in Ofu where it slammed into Ofu dock during strong winds.
Coast Guard Officer Frank Thomsen said Coast Guard Honolulu cleared the vessel to return on its on power to Tutuila,without any passengers. The Manu’atele made a safe sailing from Ofu and docked at the service wharf yesterday afternoon.
This morning the vessel underwent a Coast Guard inspection and it was determined that the vessel needed to undergo repairs. Thomsen said there was significant damage to the starboard hull.
He said before the boat can be back in operation repairs are necessary to ensure the safety of the vessel for passenger and the crew.
Director of Port Adminiatration Taimalelalagi Dr. Claire Poumele said they’re contracted Shaun Gregg to do a survey of the vessel to determine the extent of repairs needed.
Currently the government slipway has been shut down since the incident last year when the tracks derailed during repairs.
Thomsen said the Coast Guard is working with Port Administration on a solution to ensure that repairs are carried out and the MV Manuatele is back in operation as soon as possible.
The Manu’atele had left Tutuila a week ago today on a fuel run. It was unable to go to Ta’u because of bad weather and it sought shelter at the Ofu dock.
During strong winds on Saturday the vessel lost anchor and rammed into the Ofu dock causing extensive damage to the dock and the boat’s starboard hull.
