Deaths at sea spur action in Pacific

The number of lives lost at sea as a result of bad weather has been the catalyst for a new working group at last week's third Pacific Meteorological Council.

The council met in Tonga and it was the first time that ministers of Meteorological Services from around the Pacific met in conjunction.

The head of the Samoa Meteorology Division, Mulipola Ausetalia Titimaea, says delegates are concerned about the number of weather-related tragedies at sea.

He says countries rallied their support behind an initiative to set up a working group on marine and oceans services.

"We will be working together with our marine counterparts in the different countries in areas where we can provide the early warning services. Not only from storms but also from what we now call swells that might affect the coastal communities."

The head of the Samoa Meteorology Division, Mulipola Ausetalia Titimaea.