1 Dec 2011

US Coast Guard in American Samoa still to release New Zealand trawler

3:06 pm on 1 December 2011

The U.S. Coast Guard in American Samoa has completed its investigation into a possible pollution violation by a New Zealand owned fishing vessel, the San Nikunau, which has been detained in Pago Pago since July.

Coast Guard official Steven Caskey says the matter has been turned over to the U.S. Justice Department for further legal action.

The vessel is owned by New Zealand fishing company, Sanfords.

Another of Sanford's vessels, the San Nanumea, was arrested and detained in American Samoa in late August after a personal injury claim.

The court ordered the vessel released in late September after Sanfords agreed to pay damages and expenses relating to the arrest of the vessel.