The Matautu-tai wharf was left virtually deserted yesterday as rough conditions inside the Apia Harbour forced mooring vessels to rush off to the safety of open waters outside the reef.
Many were seen outlined at a distance behind churning waters of large breaking reef waves.
The safety rush came too late, unfortunately, for a Chinese fishing fleet boat, swept on to the sand and rocks on the beach, meters from the main road to the wharf.
It is unclear what will become of the hapless boat as it remains stuck and
exposed to a continuous pounding from the swells.
The difficult conditions of the past few days has sparked again controversy on the Government decision not to relocate to ideal settings at Vaiusu Bay.
Earlier relocation plans by the HRPP Government was scuttled by the current FAST administration.
Concerns for the loss of village livelihood from inside the reef and environment damages to the mangroves were the main reasons cited.
Whether these concerns will continue to hold up against increasing safety fears for the ongoing use of the Apia Harbour is pouring more fuel to the controversial debate over fire.
A viability study has confirmed the Apia Harbour can no longer be expanded.
