Marine Patrol rescues four stranded in fishing boat Sunday evening

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The Marine Patrol Division of the Department of Search and Rescue responded to a call from a family out fishing on Sunday evening, when their boat went dead five miles out in the open water.

“When we arrived, it was discovered the alia was not registered, they did not have a flare gun and there were not enough life jackets for all four people on board.

“It was also discovered that their boat ran out of fuel,” said Chief of Marine Patrol, Ina Ulberg during an interview with Samoa News over the phone.

The unregistered small fishing boat containing 2 adults and 2 children. They contacted the Marine Patrol officers for assistance when they ran out of gas five miles out of the harbor. [photo: Marine Patrol]

He also confirmed the owner of the alia was cited for several violations of open water safety laws, where alias have to be registered with their office; and that each and every time the boat is out in the open water all the passengers must wear a life jacket and it is mandatory to have equipment on board including a flare gun.

Chief Ulberg told Samoa News this is a classic example of why fishermen encounter issues out in the open water — they don’t follow the registration and safety regulations of Title 20 of the American Samoa Code Annotated.

“All alias must be registered and they must have all the necessary equipment before they can go out at sea and that they have to inform the Marine Patrol prior to taking a fishing trip.

“These are vital laws that must be adhered to by every fisherman that owns an alia.

“It is for their own protection,” he said.

Also according to Ulberg, the citations fines range between $1,000-$1,500.

“These are hefty fines, yet some people don’t seem to care for local Marine Patrol laws, and when they are in trouble, they will have to contact us for a rescue mission.”

Chief Ulberg also used the opportunity to remind alia owners they must abide by boating safety laws, otherwise they will be slapped with citations.

Ulberg cited Title 20 of the ASCA noting that every vessel shall have aboard such safety equipment which consists of life vests for each passenger, ring buoy or buoyant cushion, of a type approved by the Commandant of the United States Coast Guard and in good and serviceable condition.

“When in operation between sunset and sunrise, a light or lights, sufficient as determined by the Marine Police Patrol to make the vessel’s presence and location known to any and all other vessels within a reasonable distance; a backfire flame arrester; carburetor of all gasoline engines except outboard motors and that if they are carrying or using any inflammable or toxic fluid in an enclosure for any purpose, and if not an entirely open vessel, an efficient natural or mechanical ventilation system, which shall be capable of removing resulting gases prior to, and during, the time such vessel is occupied by a person; when no fixed extinguishing system is installed in machinery spaces and a portable fire extinguisher.

He reminded that the equipment is designed to promote the safety of navigation and has been deemed appropriate by the Department of Search and Rescue.