The MV Manu’atele was scheduled to leave for Hawaii tomorrow to be dry docked at the Marisco shipyard, however, its departure has been pushed back to next Monday.
Director of Port Administration Taimalelagi Dr. Claire Poumele says they changed the schedule because the shipyard won’t be able to take the boat on the slipway until July 5.
The captain and crew of 9 have to undergo a 14-day quarantine in Hawaii upon arrival.
And in meeting the state’s COVID-19 rule, they have to be tested here three days before they depart for Honolulu.
The Coast Guard has worked with Port Administration in preparing the boat for the trip and according to Lt. Ryan Junod the Manu’atele is ready for the voyage.
The vessel has been out of commission since January after an accident at the Ofu dock, which caused significant damage to its starboard hull.
The repairs are being funded by a $1.6 million Capital Improvement Project grant from the US Department of Interior.
