The Samoa Shipping Corporation (S.S.C.) has confirmed that repair works to the MV Lady Samoa III ferry have been successfully completed, allowing it to resume inter-island travel services.

The vessel’s main engine No. 2 was in need of repairs after its malfunctioning had left the ferry out of commission since Wednesday.

The Samoa Express I had instead substituted for Upolu-Savai’i trips on Wednesday and Thursday. 

But because of the Samoa Express I’s size and capacity, a number of travellers were seen stranded awaiting for the vessel’s repair. 

The S.S.C. issued a notice on Thursday morning that the MV Lady Samoa was still under maintenance. 

"Please be informed that MV Lady Samoa continues to be under maintenance for her Main Engine,” the notice read. 

"As a result, her 6 am and 10 am trips will not go ahead as usual. If service work to her engine is successful she is expected to service the 2 pm trip. 

"Otherwise for the time being additional trips have been scheduled to fully cater to the needs of all passengers travelling between the islands. 

"These trips will be executed by MV Samoa Express II. The times for these trips are as follows; 10 am Mulifanua to Salelologa and 12 pm Salelologa to Mulifanua. 

"We thank you for your patience and understanding as we do our best to cater to the travel needs of everyone."

However, S.S.C. announced on Thursday evening that MV Lady Samoa III had completed engine works and is now back in service.