American Samoa government officials have been told that the North Korean cargo ship Wise Honest has a $US100 million insurance policy which would cover any mishap while the vessel is in the territory.
Wise Honest Photo: RNZ PACIFIC / Fili Sagapolutele
The Director of Port Administration Taimalelagi Dr Claire Poumele said concern were raised with the US Department of Justice, including the risk of the vessel running aground on the reef during a cyclone.
She said DOJ has hired a local company to provide security for the freighter during the time its in American Samoa, which is now up until December.
The Coast Guard has told KHJ News that the freighter is in good shape and there are no issues with its structure.
The Wise Honest was seized by the United States in Indonesia last year because of suspicions that it was importing items to North Korea in violation of UN sanctions.