In October this year Samoan government officials spoke of the benefits that would flow to the country’s tourism industry, when Samoa became the new home of the Cable Ship Reliance.

Two months after the opening of the Samoa marine depot at the Matautu-tai wharf — the new home of the vessel — the local tourism industry is slowly beginning to see the fruits of that Government decision.

Americans Ross Hilligoss and Kris Smith — who work on the Cable Ship Reliance — were sighted in Apia yesterday and interviewed by the Samoa Observer.

They said while they are working on the vessel and are based in Samoa, they have had the chance to explore some of Upolu Island’s tourism attractions. 

“We are here for work, we work at the cable ship at Matautu,” they both said. 

It is Ross’ second deployment to Samoa and the first for Kris. Both have described some of Samoa’s tourism spots as “beautiful and amazing”. 

In an interview with this newspaper, the two Americans said they found Samoans to be kind and very friendly, and see themselves returning for a vacation when the opportunity arose.

Though, Kris indicated that living on the East Coast of America has its challenges in terms of travelling hours to Samoa. 

“I would come back, it’s a long flight for us from the East cost of the United States, if it was closer I would come back frequently,” he said. 

In the meantime, they are both looking forward to spending as much time on the island as possible, when they have the extra time. 

The Cable Ship Reliance previously berthed in New Caledonia but moved last month to Apia, where it will be based for five years. The vessel has a crew of 51 including the captain. The marine depot at the Matautu-tai wharf comprises a 4000 square meter warehouse that will house an undersea communication system.