Apia, SAMOA — (February 11, 2026) Internal investigations are underway following the tragic drowning of a police sergeant who lost his life in the line of duty last week.

The deceased, Sergeant Evile Paulo Ekueni, was among three officers thrown overboard when their dinghy capsized in rough seas during what was described as a routine maritime coastal patrol on Tuesday, 3 February 2026. None of the officers were wearing life jackets at the time of the incident.

Two officers were successfully recovered from the ocean. However, Sergeant Ekueni was swept away by strong currents and tides.

The dinghy that capsized in rough seas during what was described as a routine maritime coastal patrol on Tuesday, February 3, 2026 [courtesy photo]

The Fire and Emergency Services Authority Commissioner confirmed that first responders were called to assist with the search and rescue operation at approximately 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, 3 February 2026. Despite extensive efforts, the search was suspended at 10:00 p.m. due to worsening weather conditions.

Operations resumed the following morning and continued until around 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, 4 February 2026, when Sergeant Ekueni’s body was recovered near Levi, Saleimoa and Leauvaa.

The Samoa Police Service has formally confirmed the identity of the fallen officer as Sergeant Evile Paulo Ekueni.

The tragic loss of Sergeant Ekueni has prompted local media and community members to raise pressing questions about safety protocols and operational procedures within the Samoa Police Coast Guard.

Reports confirm that all three officers involved in the incident were members of the Marine Patrol Unit assigned to the Coast Guard vessel Nafanua. Concerns have been voiced regarding why none of the officers were equipped with life jackets during the patrol, a precautionary measure widely regarded as standard practice in maritime operations.

While the Samoa Police Service stated that the officers were conducting a routine coastal patrol at the time of the accident, unconfirmed accounts from anonymous sources within the ministry suggest that the vessel may have been taken out for a tryout run rather than an official patrol.

At the time of the accident, the Coast Guard vessel Nafanua was anchored in Apia harbor.

This discrepancy between the official narrative and unofficial reports has intensified public scrutiny, with calls for transparency and accountability in the ongoing internal investigation.