Rip Current — Tutuila, American Samoa

2024-04-02 · Tutuila, American Samoa

Event narrative

Local broadcast media reports that the Department of Search and Rescue began searching for a man who was swept out at sea due to rough seas while swimming along the coastline of Fogagogo village on the afternoon of April 2nd. Due to continuing rough sea conditions, the search operation was limited throughout the overnight hours on the 2nd and the morning of the 3rd, but resumed on the afternoon of the 3rd. The search continued through the 8th. The body was not found.

Wider weather episode

A strong high pressure system centered well to the south of American Samoa created stronger than usual east/southeasterly trades winds throughout the American Samoa islands and along the territory's coastal waters. ASCAT readings showed 15 to 20 knot winds along the coastal waters. Due to the stronger winds than normal, along with a long fetch of elevated winds, this led to choppy and hazardous seas in the region. Altimeter data from POES satellites showed waves between 8 and 9 feet.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1164647. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.