The MV Lady Samoa IV arrived at the Matautu International Port on Sunday morning after being held by the US Coast Guard in American Samoa for alleged “deficiencies” in its equipment.

A staff member from the Samoa Shipping Corporation confirmed to Samoa Observer the scheduled voyage was delayed at the weekend and only arrived at 4.30 am on Sunday. 

Several attempts to obtain comments from the S.S.C. Chief Executive Officer, Leiataua Samuel Phineas were unsuccessful. 

Media reports in American Samoa cited the US Coast Guard reportedly stopped the Lady Samoa from leaving the territory until it corrected deficiencies found during an inspection. 

Families who had cargo intended for relatives in Samoa took to social media with their frustration after some of the frozen goods were no longer fit for consumption due to the disruption. 

Passengers were also concerned about ongoing issues encountered by the vessel saying the authority should fix the problems for the safety of travellers. 

The S.S.C. website noted the vessel was due to depart American Samoa on Thursday 14 November at 4 p.m. and should have arrived on Saturday 16 November around 1 a.m. 

The corporation informed the public through its Facebook page on Saturday afternoon the voyage scheduled for Saturday had been cancelled due to “unforeseen circumstances”. 

Talanei media said 160 passengers were booked for the return voyage to Apia and many waited until late Thursday night. 

Lt Cody Baggett, head of the local Coast Guard Marine Safety Detachment Unit told the media outlet they found deficiencies with the lifeboats, life rafts and life jackets during their inspection. 

He said a lifeboat wasn’t working properly, and there were also issues with the life jackets, and unless these deficiencies were corrected the vessel could not leave port.

“We have to test all of the vessel’s systems to make sure they are safe for the passengers.” 

The MV Lady Samoa IV carries cargo to and from the territory. In October last year, SSC informed the public of tarriff increase for international travel to American Samoa.