On Tuesday, the original MV Lady Naomi was scuttled and sunk to the bottom of the ocean, north of Apia Harbor, where it will begin a new service as a deep sea diving site for future tourists.
Live video on social media provided an emotional send off for the grand old lady of Samoan inter-island service as it tilted first astern then rolled on its side, before rolling over and sinking with its bow slowly going down into the sea and out of sight.
Members of its last crew were seen throwing bags and belongings onto a waiting tug boat before taking their last descent from the Lady Naomi.
The Japanese built Lady Naomi has served Samoa since 2010, ferrying people and cargo between the two Samoas.
The ferry was also used for charters to the Cook Islands and Tokelau during its more than 12 years of service.
