17 Jul 2012

American Samoa search for missing boy called off

1:14 pm on 17 July 2012

The search for a missing 15-year-old boy in American Samoa has been called off after three days.

Falefasa Matautia of Vaitogi was washed out to sea while trying to help a brother who had been pulled out by strong currents while swimming.

The commander of the Marine Patrol Unit, Captain Tulele Laolagi, says they reluctantly had to end their search without finding the boy's body.

He says they have not been able to conduct any underwater searches because the seas have been too rough.

Falefasa's brother had made it safely to shore using the Rotary Club's angel ring installed at Vaitogi.