Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The Matasaua crew awaiting help to arrive after their fautasi took on water last Saturday, prior to the start of the 2019 Flag Day fautasi race. Skipper Malaepule Fuega Moliga is upset that help didn't arrive fast enough. He blasted the committee, after Saturday’s race during a ‘fono’ — saying it appears they were more concerned about the race than the safety of the rowers.

Samoa News has learned that the Matasaua crew were not rescued until about three hours after the fact, and one of the rowers was injured, after he hit his head on a metal piece of the fautasi.

A source close to the crew said the young man needed stitches.

Fans of the Matasaua - as well as Pago Pago and God is Great (Fono) - are wondering why the race continued. Dozens of rowers were left stranded in rough waters miles off shore for hours while the Committee appeared more concerned about giving the spectators - and visiting tourists of the Star Princess Cruise Ship - a 'show'.

In addition to the fautasi fiasco, Samoa News has learned that a video has been posted on social media, showing what appears to be a young man from Nuuuli being assaulted by youth from Fagatogo, in front of the Fagatogo Square. In the video, you can see tourists standing along the main road watching the beating unfold, and looking on in utter shock and disgust.