Vessel

In a press conference on Thursday, Fiame said border security should have seized the Kite Runner, owned by a businessman in American Samoa, upon arrival at the Matautu wharf.

However, the Prime Minister said government officials scrambled to get all the necessary clearances for the boat, which should have never happened in the first place.

Fiame said according to reports, the boat docked at Matautu then to Mulifanua before heading to Savai'i, when the police intervened and seized the boat and escorted it back to Matautu.

Named Lady Samoa IV, the NK-classed vessel was purchased by the Japan International Cooperation System (JICS) on behalf of the Samoan government. Funding for the purchase was provided by the Japanese government as part of a development grant program benefiting Pacific island nations.