Cabinet Took to a Life raft after Nafanua’s Engines Failed

The Prime Minister and five Cabinet ministers heading to shore on a life raft after Nafanua’s engines failed outside the harbour.

By Lagi Keresoma

APIA, SAMOA – 22 FEBRUARY 2021: The Prime Minister and his Cabinet ministers finished last Friday’s night trip from Savaii on a life raft after one of the police patrol boat Nafanua 11’s engines failed outside of the Apia harbour.

The delegation was returning from the opening of the Samata-i-tai school building funded by Japan’s Grants Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects.

The Prime Minister and his delegation left for Savaii after Parliament was adjourned at 1200. Returning on Friday evening, the boat developed engine problems and was to float into the harbour.

The Police Commissioner Fuiavailili Egon Keil said that these things happen and it was just a minor problem.

“There was no risk to anyone onboard, and that it was only a 15 minute distance from the boat to the wharf,” he told Talamua.

The decision was quickly made to use the boats life raft to transport the Prime Minster, Cabinet Ministers and delegation to shore as well as their cargo of food presented by the village.

The Cabinet Ministers enjoyed that little ride according to the Police Commissioner.

Blessing in disguise
While some people think the incident was a bad omen especially with Cabinet on board, Fuiavailili thought differently.

“This was a blessing in disguise because having Cabinet on-board when it happened, gave them some idea of what we go through with our resources,” he said.

If they questioned the capability of the boat and her staff, at least they now know it is not an easy job especially with the maintenance.

“They saw that the staff is well disciplined in responding to available options and in the consideration of risk factors.”

He commended the Nafanua team for the quick and constructive response to the problem as they guided Cabinet and all those who were on board onto the life raft for the Matautu wharf.

“It also seemed that some of the Cabinet Minister enjoyed that little ride,” he said.

Nafanua 11 was delivered last year under the Australian Governments assistance for Samoa to patrol its borders and its fishing zone.