6 May 2011

American Samoa inter island vessel breaks down

1:22 pm on 6 May 2011

The American Samoa Government's inter island vessel, MV Sili, has again broken down with mechanical problems.

Passengers planning to sail between the main island of Tutuila and the Manu'a island group are waiting to see if the government will charter a vessel from neighbouring Samoa.

MV Sili broke down during a trip to Swains Island.

Port Administration officials say it's unclear how long the repair work will take.

The supervisor of the U.S. Coast Guard Marine Safety Unit, Lieutenant Trevor Parra, says both the port main engine and the port generator had failed.