As of this afternoon a sailboat that arrived yesterday from Hawaii and requested entry because it was taking on water, has yet to be given official clearance to remain in the territory.
The MV Galatea has on board two females and a male captain, all US citizens.
According to a Port Administration official the boat had first notified port that it had engine problems and requested permission to enter for repairs.
But it was denied.
However it then radioed back that it was taking on water. The Harbor Master Silila Patane refused to allow the vessel in, and the captain then issued an emergency alert and sailed in.
According to DOH officials who boarded the sailboat earlier today, the captain failed to produce a clearance document from its last port, which is Honolulu.
The captain has been given time to obtain the clearance.
A doctor has checked the occupants for symptoms such as fever, cough and labored breathing and all were cleared. Swabs were also taken.
The yacht is now moored at the quarantine buoy near Pago Pago.
The occupants are not permitted to disembark.
The DOH officials said that if the owners are able to find a local party to help them with repairs, only one person would be allowed to go on board to check the boat’s engine, and they will wear full personal protective equipment.
