Damaged Nafanua II Patrol Boat is Beyond Repair

Staff Reporters

APIA, SAMOA – 07 MARCH 2022: The Nafanua II patrol boat that was seriously damaged when it ran aground a reef outside the Salelologa wharf in August last year has been deemed “beyond economical repair.”

A joint statement by the Samoa and Australia governments said “We’re saddened by the unfortunate grounding of Samoa’s Guardian-class Patrol Boat, Nafanua II in August last year. Technical specialists from Australia were contracted to undertake the successful salvage operation, which had minimal environmental impact.”

Following its arrival in Cairns, a thorough assessment of Nafanua II was undertaken.

“This assessment found the vessel to be beyond economical repair. Ownership of Nafanua II is being transferred from the Government of Samoa to the Australian Government as we look at options for disposal.”

The statement also said that Australia remains a committed maritime security partner for Samoa, continuing to provide support to ensure the on-going protection of Samoa’s Exclusive Economic Zone, including through collaboration with regional partners.

“Australia is working closely with Samoa to address Samoa’s maritime security needs. Australia is proud to partner with our Pacific family to enhance and coordinate continued maritime regional security.”

Former Nafanua II captain fined and demoted
The former captain of the Nafanua II has been demoted and fined $2000 by the Police Disciplinary Tribunal that found him guilty of 3 charges of negligence.

Captain Taito Sefo Hunt was originally charged with 5 counts of negligence over the grounding of the $30 million patrol vessel.

The Nafanua II when it was delivered by the Australian government.

Taito, who held the rank of Superintendent at the time of the incident, had to start again from being a police Corporal.

He was suspended in August while the Tribunal conducted their investigation and the Tribunal’s report has been handed to a Commission of Inquiry into the incident.

The incident
Taito was in charge of the vessel that dropped off 30 police officers at Salelologa to help with security as the Human Rights Protection Party (HRPP) car rally on the island posed issues with the villages. On its return, the vessel ran aground on the reef outside the wharf.

After failed efforts to salvage the vessel locally, two Australian teams were called in to salvage and transport the vessel for repair in Australia.

In the meantime, the US Coastguard has been providing surveillance of Samoa’s economic zone in the absence of the Australian donated patrol boat.