“The moment I watched the video of the MV Lady Naomi sinking today, I thought about my daughter, whom we named after the boat. Tears came down as if I were saying goodbye to her,” said Iokapeta Polamalu Saisola, the wife of a former crew member of the Lady Naomi. The name ‘Naomi’ was chosen purposefully for their daughter.
In an interview, Mrs. Saisola revealed that her husband, Fiaailetoa Alaifatu Saisola, worked on the MV Lady Naomi for seven years and cherished his job.
“He started in 2001 at the age of 30. The job provided for our family. My husband was fully committed to his role, assisting passengers and more. He was among the most hardworking sailors I know, alongside his teammates.
“On June 3, 2005, I gave birth to our third child while my husband was at sea, heading to Pago Pago, and doing everything he could to financially support my pregnancy.
“He called while on duty, and when I told him it was a girl, the first name he thought of was ‘Naomi.’ He really wanted this child to remind him of his journey as a sailor and how much his responsibilities on the Lady Naomi had contributed to the development of our small family.
“Lady Naomi is unforgettable for us; it holds profound meaning and brings back many memories.”
After seven years with the MV Lady Naomi under the Samoa Shipping Corporation, Mr. Saisola is now a captain of a tugboat under the Samoa Ports Authority.
His eldest son, Aukuso Saisola, inspired by his father’s career, has also chosen to become a sailor.
The family deeply values the boat and its service since its construction in 1998. Today’s event deeply saddened them.
The vessel was recently sunk in a planned event by the Samoa Shipping Corporation Limited. Lady Naomi made countless trips, forging strong connections between the islands and supporting both passenger and cargo transport.
Throughout its years of service, the MV Lady Naomi was pivotal in facilitating travel and commerce between the two Samoas. Known for its reliability, the vessel significantly contributed to the local economies and the mobility of residents and tourists alike.