Rip Current — Manu'a, American Samoa

2015-12-28 · Manu'a, American Samoa

Event narrative

The Department of Public Safety dispatcher confirmed a drowning incident of a male fisherman in his early 30s on December 28th. The victim was swept to sea and his boy has not been recovered. Strong swells and hazardous seas have prevented the Search and Rescue team from conducting their services to find the missing man. The Advisories for small craft and high surf were issued prior to this unfortunate tragedy. A strong monsoonal trough near the east of Manu'a was responsible for strong gusty winds...hazardous surfs and swells.

Wider weather episode

The Talanei News reported a drowning incident of a 31 year old male near the village of Faleasao during the afternoon time. Hazardous seas and surfs were results of an active monsoonal trough that moved near the east of Manu'a. There were Advisories for high surf and small craft that were issued for all of American Samoa prior to this tragedy. The Department of Police Service dispatcher confirmed that the body of the victim has not been recovered.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 606328. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.