Prime Minister La’aulialemalietoa Leuatea Schmidt confirmed in a recent press conference that no life jackets were worn during the incident, which led to the death of Sergeant Evile Ekeuni.

He said Acting Police Commissioner Leiataua Samuelu Afamasaga contacted him when the incident occurred. He said investigations are now underway.

The Prime Minister said he first asked the Commissioner if he had been told about the operation beforehand, and the Commissioner said he had not.

He added that he asked the Commissioner whether life jackets were worn, and was told they were not, according to those interviewed.

He noted that police and maritime officers are well-educated and well-trained professionals, and said the incident should not have occurred. 

Three officers fell overboard in the incident, and reliable sources confirmed they were not wearing life jackets. 

The two officers were rescued on Tuesday, while Sgt Ekueni’s body was found around midday Wednesday with the help of police patrol boats and five local fishermen.

His wife, young son, father, sisters, and other family members anxiously awaited his recovery. 

The search, which began around 5 pm on Tuesday, involved police and the Samoa Fire and Emergency Services Authority (SFESA) and was temporarily paused before resuming on Wednesday.

Sgt Ekueni had served over six years with the Samoa Police Nafanua Maritime Unit and previously worked in several departments of the Ministry of Police, including the CID. Friends and colleagues described him as social and humorous. 

Condolence messages have poured in online, while Acting Police Commissioner Leiataua Samuelu Afamasaga was present when the deceased's body was brought ashore.