The Samoa Ports Authority was alerted to a fire incident that affected three (3) fishing vessels, berthed at the Salelologa Wharf, on Wednesday, 27th November 2024 evening.
The Authority immediately dispatched one of its tugboats, Atafa, with its Maritime crew, to assist the SPA staff at Salelologa and the Fire and Emergency Services Authority (FESA) in Savaii with putting out the fire since last night. At the time of this press release, the fire has been put out completely on all three vessels.
The fishing vessels were once owned by the Apia Deep Sea Fishing (ADSF) Company but are now under the responsibility of the Authority, following the termination of their lease on the Apia International Port in July 2024 and the abandonment of the vessels by ADSF. All these fishing vessels were berthed at the Apia International Port since ADSF left.
In preparation for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in October this year, the Authority transferred all these fishing vessels from the Apia International Port to its other domestic ports at Satitoa Aleipata, Mulifanua, and Salelologa for berthage.
The Authority is currently viewing its security camera footage and preparing a report of the incident, which is now under the Ministry of Police’s investigation.
The Authority extends its most sincere appreciation to the Fire and Emergency Services Authority in Savaii, the Ministry of Police, the Ministry of Works Transport & Infrastructure, the Samoa Shipping Corporation crew and staff, and the village of Salelologa for their assistance.
We appreciate the support of the general public in sharing any relevant information to assist with the investigation.
