Samoa’s badly damaged patrol boat Nafanua II is beyond economical repair and is tagged for disposal by the Australian government.
A joint press statement from the Australia and Samoa governments said the Guardian class patrol boat was damaged in an unfortunate grounding last August.
“Technical specialists from Australia were contracted to undertake the successful salvage operation, which had minimal environmental impact,” said the statement.
However following its arrival in Cairns, a thorough assessment of Nafanua II was undertaken.
“This assessment found the vessel to be beyond economical repair.”
Ownership of Nafanua II is being transferred from the Government of Samoa to the Australian Government as we look at options for disposal.
The vessel ran aground the reef at Salelologa, Savaii while transporting police for reinforcements during a road trip by members of the Human Rights Protection Party.
Australia says it remains a committed maritime security partner for Samoa, continuing to provide support to ensure the ongoing protection of Samoa’s Exclusive Economic Zone, including through collaboration with regional partners.
“Australia is working closely with Samoa to address Samoa’s maritime security needs.”
