18 Feb 2017

American Samoa Govt ferry stuck

9:27 am on 18 February 2017

The American Samoa government ferry, the MV Sili, is still stuck in the Manu'a islands, and will likely be out of commission for another three weeks.

The vessel took on water while docked in Ofu a week ago, which damaged the ferry's generator.

The acting director of the territory's port administration, Muliagatele Gus Godinet, says spare parts were transported to Ofu Friday night on the new passenger and cargo vessel, Manu'atele.

Our correspondent says the US$13 million Manu'atele took passengers and cargo to Manu'a however this was a non revenue sailing.

Muliagatele says the Manu'atele cannot charge for passengers and cargo yet because it still has a few things that the Coast Guard needs to clear and he's hopeful that will be given early next week.

The Manu'atele will be making weekly trips to Manu'a while the MV Sili is remains grounded.