The grounding of a tuna long liner in Apia Harbour has led to a decisive stance from Samoa’s Minister of Ports, Olo Afoa Fiti Vaai. He announced that the vessel’s owners are to be held fully accountable for all clean-up and salvage operations. This incident occurred yesterday when the vessel, owned by Yuh Fa Vanuatu Fishery Company Limited and contracted by Apia Fisheries, ran aground on the Matautu seawall opposite the Samoa Shipping Corporation Office, raising urgent environmental concerns.
In an exclusive conversation with the Savali, Minister Vaai pointed to “negligence” on the part of the vessel’s owners as a contributing factor, notwithstanding the potential role of bad weather. He criticised the failure to properly secure the vessel during rough conditions while it was docked in the harbour.
While there have been reports from Samoa suggesting that the vessel involved in the Apia Harbour incident is of Taiwanese origin, it is important to clarify the vessel’s actual registration and ownership. The “Fu Yo Yu No.8,” identified by YJXF7, is registered in Vanuatu and is owned by Yuh Fa Fishery (Vanuatu) Co., Ltd. This information indicates that while the vessel may have operational or ownership connections to Taiwan, it is not directly registered or flagged by Taiwan.
Minister Vaai assured that the owners, under a Stop Order issued by his office, cannot allow the vessel to leave Samoan waters until they have dealt with the fallout from their oversight. The Maritime Division has been directed to oversee the salvage and removal operations, focusing on minimising environmental damage.
Furthermore, local authorities have reported incidents of looting on the stranded vessel. The breach of security has led to the removal of various items from the boat, complicating the situation and adding to the challenges faced by the salvage operations.
Additionally, the Minister highlighted ongoing inspections by the Maritime Division to check for any oil or hazardous material spillage into the harbour. Depending on the findings, appropriate legal actions and fines will be imposed.
The Minister also noted that the vessel’s owners have the option to conduct repairs at the Satitoa Slip Way, but at their own expense. He reaffirmed that the vessel would not be permitted to depart Samoa until it has met all legal requirements and cleared by local authorities.
This incident has particularly significant implications for Apia Fisheries, the principal transshipment agency for Samoa’s fish exports to international markets. The vessel’s grounding coincided with the end of its four-week contract with Apia Fisheries, adding a layer of irony to the unfortunate event. The situation is being closely monitored as efforts continue to mitigate any potential environmental damage.
