By: Marc Membrere
Sakaria Faaiuaso is a hero.
A Samoan sailor working onboard the MSC Meravigilia, Sakaria played a leading role in the rescue operation which saved the lives of 24 Cuban nationals.
And his heroic actions are not going unnoticed by his boss and General-Manager of the Samoa Shipping Services (S.S.S.) Lautimuia Afoa Vaai.
In an email responding to questions from the Savali Newspaper, Lautimuia sang Sakarias’ praises. “It is heartening to hear from the reports of the Samoan sailors, some of the sailors of the crew were the first to carry out this rescue operation, and all their lives were saved.
The S.S.S. Chief stated that such actions reflect the dedicated service of Samoan sailors serving on international shipping companies. And rescue work is a must for any sailor, whenever lives are endangered at sea or on ships.
“Our sailors are also well prepared for this type of rescue work – the necessary knowledge and experience, especially physical strength,” he says. “Praise be to God for the successful completion of the rescue work that our sailors had to deal with and all those who performed the rescue work are safe.”
Lautimuia says that being a sailor isn’t an easy profession as your life is on the line and you are at risk all the time while out on the ocean. He says that safety is priority, not only the ships but the lives of all passengers onboard.
“It is a calling that requires good mental training, a fit and healthy body, a brave heart, and mostly relying on God’s protective power to execute the work.”
PHOTO: Sakaria Faaiuaso
