A 17-year-old girl from Vailoa drowned after she and her two friends were swept into the ocean when they were struck with a wave in Sogi, say police officers, who are currently conducting further investigation in this matter.

There are conflicting stories as to the account of what occurred. According to reports from authorities, police received a call last Friday afternoon from a family member informing police that his sister and two friends who were taking photos on the rocks fell into the ocean when they were struck by a wave.

According to the police, the other two, a male and female, were safely recovered, however that was not the same for the young girl, who’s name has not yet been made official.

A Leone High School student told Samoa News that the girl was the only one who fell into the ocean while she was trying to take photos with her friends. Police officers with Marine Patrol told Samoa News that she was spotted a couple of hours after she was swept into the ocean, however it was too late when they found her.

They transported her body to the wharf, where it was uplifted by the Emergency Medical Services who were on standby at the wharf.  She was pronounced dead at the hospital last Friday afternoon.

There have been numerous messages posted on Facebook for the young girl who died,  as her sudden passing came as a shock to her family and friends.