The fishing vessel with a seriously injured crew member on board will not be allowed to enter Pago Pago Harbor.
Local businessman Herman Popeye Thomsen who had been contacted by the owners of the vessel to help make arrangements for the fishing boat to come into port to allow the injured fishermen to be treated, said he was only notified of the decision to refuse entry, yesterday afternoon.
The fishing vessel is registered in Samoa but was prohibited from entering Apia Harbor because of Samoa’s ban on all air and sea vessels which went into force last week.
It was reported at Sunday’s EOC briefing that the vessel, Man Fu Tsai No. 88 , was a Chinese boat but Mr. Thomsen says it is a Taiwanese vessel. It belongs to FCF Fisheries.
Mr. Thomsen said a few government officials were working to get clearance for the injured crew member to receive treatment either at sea or have a vessel go out and bring the injured fisherman in for treatment.
Meantime, the vessel has been waiting about 20 miles out of the harbor since Friday for a decision.
Thomsen said the owners furnished the travel history and other supporting documents as requested by ASG.
He told KHJ News he understands the fears about coronavirus but is disappointed that the decision was relayed so late which cost precious time in seeking an alternative port for the vessel to seek treatment of the injured fisherman.
