25 Jul 2011

American Samoa island group without transportation

6:38 am on 25 July 2011

American Samoa's Manu'a islands will begin a second week without boat transportation as the government boat, the MV Sili hasn't been cleared by the US Coast Guard to operate.

The vessel's certificate of inspection was yanked by the Coast Guard last week when it returned from the Manu'a Cession Day celebration, because of safety equipment deficiencies.

The boat is now undergoing a thorough safety inspection which it must pass before it can get clearance to operate.

Port Director Matagi Ray McMoore says they are doing their best to correct some of the weaknesses which the Coast Guard has identified .

The Samoa Government vessel Fotu o Samoa meanwhile is slated to operate a charter to Manu'a this week.