By Martha Taumata Faavae
A Lady Naomi cargo sailing to American Samoa never left the Matautu-tai wharf as scheduled last Thursday, after news of a positive Coronavirus test broke out in Apia early in the morning.
Many believed at first that it was to do with an advisory after the official announcement by the Prime Minister of the preliminary test results.
To an to an extent it was until the Samoa Shipping Corporation, SSC, later confirmed the advisory to stop the inter-island vessel from sailing did not come from the Government.
“Around 1.00pm on Thursday afternoon the Corporation received an advisory from the head of the American Samoa Port Authority that the MV Lady Naomi will not be allowed in to the Pago Pago harbour,” Corporation General Manager Leiataua Samuel Phineas explained in a statement to Newsline Samoa on Friday.
“We don’t know how long this sailing ban will stand but we will inform the public once we are again cleared to sail into the territory.”
Health safety is the priority for the Shipping Corporation and it has emphasised extra care for everyone making use of the service at both ends.
The setback comes at a time when the SSC is gearing up for the busy peak runs between the islands of cargo shipments for the long festive season.
The Lady Naomi canceled run of the week is a disappointment for many of the families at the American Samoa end, who were looking to ship across cargo for end of school prize giving celebrations.
Flights between the two Samoas are also suspended.
