Samoa News American Samoa

Nichol's boat is warmly welcomed in Samoa, USA

As Nichols Brothers Boat Builder's associate Jim Stach left South Whidbey on a mixing boat constructed by Nichols on December 14, the area was calm with only a few spectators. Swiftly forward to the dawn of January 4th Stach is aboard the ship as it sailed in Pago Pago, the American Samoa capitol, to a large audience, trumpet and the sounds of horn resounding through the harbour.

American Samoa welcomed their newest boat from Nichols Brothers, the MV Manu'atele. He travelled to American Samoa to ensure smooth operations on the overseas trip and to act for the firm when the boat arrives on the South Seas Isle. The American Samoan occupation, which ran the boat from Langley to Pago Pago, was supervised by him before he received a hero's reception in the country's population.

Him and Peggy Stach, his spouse who went to Pago Pago to see him, even saw civil servants and the recently appointed state governor, Lolo Matalasi Moliga. The Moliga was consecrated the eve of the ship's return, but Peggy Stach said the ship's return was more solemn than the consecration. Nichols Brothers left the ship on August 29 for South Whidbey Harbor, where the final touch was laid on.

On 14 December the ship left for Hawai'i, where the crews were refuelled, before continuing to Pago Pago on 26 December. Samoan administration bought the 140-foot ship for $13.6 million. Samoa News reports that the ship was followed by the country's other ferries and ferries, Samoan rowing boats, which can carry up to 50 passengers when it entered the port of Pago Pago.

While the crowd was cheering for the American Samoan occupation, the horned sounded for 30 mins. Up to now, American Samoa had only one ageing ship to carry humans and goods from the biggest Tutuila to the other six isles. MV Manu'atele will primarily be used to service Tutuila and the other heavily inhabited Manu'a but will be used at certain points to dare to the other isles and neighbouring Samoa.

It is a blessing for trade and improves the connection between the isles. "Manu'a islander legislators express their recognition to the new Manu'atele ship to the Manu'atele administration, which they say will provide another important transport route to the island," Samoa News commented. Jim Stach said some group are already decision making or decision making to any of the bantam land aft deed point to be person to employment and employment.

To American Samoa, the MV Manu'atele is not "just a boat," says Stach. Whilst Stach acknowledges that some islanders welcomed him and his spouse more because he worked on the ship, he added that the spacious reception was only the American-Samoan way. Describing the individuals he encountered as some of the most sincere and kindest individuals he has ever encountered over the years, he established enduring relationships with a particular one.

Supplied photograph - The MV Manu'atele used the fire hose when it stepped into the port of Pago Pago in American Samoa. Contributing photograph - Members of the American-Samoan Kabinett greeted the ship during an formal ceremonial held by the state. Picture included - A large number of Fautasas, Samoan long-boats, sailing along the MV Manu'atele to the port of Pago.