More than 10 sailors will be deported back to Samoa after their involvements in criminal activity including sexual harassment has surfaced.
Chief Executive Officer, of the Samoa Shipping Services, Lautimuia Afoa Vaai confirmed in an interview with Radio Polynesia.
He said some sailors have poor working performance, and not turning up to work shifts on time. There are also claims of alcohol abuse and what’s more concerning are the claims of “sexual harassment through unwanted phone messages and phone calls”and this type of behaviour is unacceptable.
Lautimuia expressed concerns that such action will have a huge impact on efforts to get employment for other sailors overseas.
“There are ongoing negotiations for employment at higher ranks for our sailors and so this is very concerning [as] this will severely affect future employment opportunities for Samoan sailors.”
Late last year, the Samoa Shipping Services said close to 300 sailors scattered across the world on employment with cruise ships and shipping vessels, with anticipation of more sailors to travel this year.
