The Australian Government has agreed to foot the bill to refloat and repair the $US9.6 million dollar MV Nafanua II which stranded on the reef at Savaii two weeks ago.
The Samoa Observer reports the National Emergency Operations Centre is leading the response for the Samoan government which sought salvage assistance from Canberra.
An advance team arrived on Friday to stabilise the vessel and prepare it for salvage.
The police patrol boat, which was donated by Australia in 2019, ran aground while transporting police officers to boost the Savaii force after the former ruling HRPP party planned a rally on the island.
Photo file
Source:
RNZ Pacific