On the eve of February 13, U.S. Coast Guard Cutter William Hart picked up two ship-riders; one from the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, Jennifer Laulu and the Ministry of Police, Taulafo Aperaamo to conduct patrols around Samoa’s exclusive economic zone, the ship-rider patrol lasted for three days.
“With the two shipriders we were able to board two fishing vessels at sea and we are happy to report there were no illegal activities during our patrol in Samoa’s EEZ,” said Captain Travers.
“This is the second visit by the US Coast Guard in Samoa since the borders reopened. We will continue to partner with Samoa on our bi-lateral agreement to provide law enforcement support and whether it is air or maritime we are committed to helping Samoa protect its EEZ and its sovereignty,” said Chargé Horiuchi.
When USCGC William Hart returned to Samoa on Thursday, February 16, they conducted a tour for senior government officials and members of the Diplomatic Corps, demonstrating patrol procedures and search and rescue techniques. They also led a beach clean-up along the Beach Road of Apia, starting from the Samoa Tourism Authority Fale Samoa towards the Vaisigano Bridge.
The morning of Friday, February 17 started off with a tour for students from the National University of Samoa – Maritime School and members of the Ministry of Police – Maritime Division.
The U.S. Coast Guard Cutter William Hart has a crew of 24, a third of which are women. All five of the ship’s officers are female.
