A new vessel for the Department of Marine and Wildlife Resources was christened at a ceremony this morning.
Named “Puna’oaolevasa,” Treasures of the Sea, the vessel was built by Industrial Gases and paid with a grant of $372,000 from the Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program.
The new double-hull aluminum alia is 32 feet long and 12 feet wide and took five months to complete, under the supervision of Andy Wearing of Industrial Gases.
Rev. Sio Opeta of the CCCAS Atuu, who was an avid fisherman and once owned an alia, offered prayers and blessed the new vessel. 
Lt. Governor Talauega Eleasalo Ale said the new vessel will be an important asset to enable the government to carry out its responsibilities to serve the people.
He highlighted that the Puna’oaolevasa was built locally.
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The Lt. Governor was given the honor of pouring niu on the bow of the vessel for the christening.
President of Industrial Gases, Peter Crispin, said their company was proud to have given this project and he had nothing but admiration for the wonderful crew that built the vessel.
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Director of DMWR Archie Taotasi Soliai said the vessel will serve many purposes.
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Photos: DMWR
