No Life Jackets Worn by Police Officers Thrown Overboard during Routine Maritime Coastal Patrol

2026-02-04 - 09:48

Three police officers who were thrown overboard when their dinghy capsized during what is said to have been a routine maritime coastal patrol, were not wearing life jackets. Three officers are said to have “fallen off” the dinghy “va’apa’u” due to rough seas while on coastal patrol on Tuesday afternoon. Two of the officers were recovered from the ocean, but the third officer, identified by Samoa Police as Sergeant Evile Paulo Ekueni, was pulled out by the current and strong tides. Fire and Emergency Services Authority Commissioner confirmed that first responders were called to help with the search and rescue at around 5pm on Tuesday 3rd February 2026. Photo: Grace Pouoa SGN. They searched for the missing Officer until 10pm when they had to call it off due to bad weather. “Na taofi loa ona ua sou lava ma matagi le gataifale..” The search continued on Wednesday morning until about 1pm in the afternoon, when Sergeant Ekueni’s body was recovered near Levi Saleimoa and Leauvaa. The Samoa Police issued a statement to confirm the deceased officer as Sergeant Evile Paulo Ekueni. Police offered no more details nor the opportunity for media to verify that no life jackets were worn by the patrol officers when their dinghy capsized. “At this time, no further details will be released,” say Police on a Facebook post. “Acting Commissioner, management and staff, extend our heartfelt condolences to the Ekueni family, relatives, colleagues, and loved ones during this very difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.” May Sergeant Evile Paulo Ekueni rest in eternal peace.