Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — In the span of two weeks two boats capsized on the waters surrounding Tutuila and it calls for concerns for Marine Patrol Unit of the Department of Public Safety.

Captain Ina Ulberg confirmed the two boat incidences and prompted the call for boat owners to adhere to mandates of carrying safety gear on the boats.

In an interview with Samoa News, Captain Ulberg said with the incident last week, the boat was overloaded and the life jackets were not visible.

“This incident occurred during Police Week.

“There were four people on board the alia, when we arrived the cargo was overloaded and the boat owner could not locate the life jackets when in fact it is mandated that the jackets are supposed to be at an arms’ reach — in case of an accident they can just reach for it.”

“This is a major concern,” said the Police Captain.

Two weeks ago a boat capsized in Aua, after that boat’s entrance was denied due to COVID restrictions. The Emergency Operations Center and the Homeland Security are investigating that matter.

He reminds boat owners that all boats are required by law to carry specific boat safety equipment at all times.

There are 100+ boats in American Samoa and 80+ are registered with the Police.

Samoa News notes that Boating Safety Week was just last week and our Congresswoman and the U.S. Coast Guard both urged the use of life jackets.