The MV Lady Samoa III suffered no serious damage that would affect its operation after the inter-island ferry hit the Mulifanua Wharf while berthing on Monday afternoon.

The ship had just sailed in from Savaii and was berthing when it hit the wharf. 

Samoa Shipping Corporation general manager Leiataua Samuel Phineas said the rough seas made berthing difficult.

“The port bow of the vessel hit the corner of the wharf while the captain and crew were trying to secure the vessel to the pier. The sea was rough and encountered gusting northerly winds, which made it challenging for the crew to alongside the vessel on her port side," he said.

"The incident has no impact on the daily service of the vessel. There was no injury to the passengers and crew. The vehicles and cargoes were safe and the vessel returned safely to Salelologa, departing Mulifanua at 1600 hours on Monday.” 

The impact resulted in a visible dent on the port bow of the vessel. Authorities have confirmed that the damage is not major and poses no immediate risk to the vessel's operations. Repairs will be carried out once weather conditions improve. The Samoa Shipping Corporation is expected to review the incident as part of standard safety procedures.

Ferry services are running as normal.