Apia, Samoa – 9 March 2025 – A container ship that docked at the Matautu wharf for the past two days broke loose after its ropes snapped due to heavy swells and unexpected gusty winds on Sunday afternoon.
The Samoa Ports Authority two tug boats were quick to steer the ship to open waters to avoid a collision with rocks on the reef as the ship slowly headed towards the back of the Government building.
It took awhile to bring the ship safely to the wharf.
Clearing the fencing material blown over and blocking the 3 lanes infront of the Development Bank. clearance.
Meanwhile, the damage left by Sundays high winds, have cancelled schools in the country. Snapped electricity power poles added to electricity blackouts already stressed by a major EPC operation to secure electricity supply of the industrial high voltage underground lines around the Tuanaimato sports complex. Flooding in low-lying and vulnerable areas, fallen trees and landslides were brought by the unexpected gusty winds and heavy rains.
The 3 lanes on CBD Main Beach Rd were blocked for two hours when the Savalalo Market construction fencing was blown on to road.
Families at the most vulnerable areas at Vaimoso and Fugalei have been evacuated from their homes as water took over
The strong winds and heavy rains experienced late in the evening today seems like Samoa was in for a cyclone, however, the latest weather update from the Samoa Meteorology Services (MET) only warned of heavy rain, flooding and issued a wind advisory for all of Samoa.
Road blockage at the Moamoa Road.
