By Martha Taumata Faavae
The Samoa Shipping Service SSS attempts to keep a protective watch on Samoan seafarers stranded by the coronavirus pandemic took a happy turn last week after months of anxious concern for their welfare.
The management company confirmed just over 300 of the 323 seafarers hired for work on mostly cruise liners with a few on cargo vessels are at work.
Many who were out of contracts were re-contracted to return to work.
“The SSS has not rested in its search for new work contracts for our seafarers and more importantly, making sure they are safe from the coronavirus pandemic,” company general manager Lautimuia Uelese Vaai happily reported.
“ Our top priority right now is to keep in close contact with our seafarers and to make sure they are safe and ready to return when border restrictions are lifted.”
Lautimuia noted that the emphasis on travel for now is on the safety of Samoa while making special repatriation flights to return the stranded back home.
PM Tuilaepa celebrated the good news on the national media.
He said it was also a sign that businesses are starting to stablise again from the impacts of the pandemic.
The PM added in a high note that more seafaring job opportunities are starting to open up again.