The Samoa Police are investigating the tragic death of a man who is suspected to have fallen asleep under a truck during an inter-island ferry crossing from Savaii over the weekend.
Deputy Police Commissioner Papalii Monalisa Tiai-Keti has confirmed the passenger was run over by a heavy load delivery truck when the ferry arrived at the Mulifanua wharf in Upolu.
“Preliminary investigations point to the driver being unaware that the deceased was sleeping under his truck,” said Papalii.
The Deputy Police says Police have not yet made an arrest in relation to the incident and calls for passengers to take care when travelling on the inter-island ferry service, especially those who find space around the boat to lay down and sleep.
“It is always tragic when deaths are avoidable,” said Papalii, “and we ask for the public’s cooperation to ensure these incidents don’t happen again.”
The inter-island ferry service between Upolu and Savaii are operated by the Samoa Shipping Corporation.
When the ferry arrives at its destination port, drivers are asked as per usual practice to move vehicles out of the vessel first for the safety of passengers.
Inter-island ferries have ample room for passengers to be seated, however, it has become a norm for locals to find a space to lay down and sleep during the hour long ferry crossings.
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