Two separate lawsuits have been filed in relation to the death of the captain of a fishing vessel in American Samoa last year.
Photo: 123rf
Michael Castaneda drowned when he fell from a gangway into the harbour when his boat was docked in Pago Pago.
The police have ruled out foul play, but the plaintiffs in the lawsuit say the gangway was inadequate and unsafe, and that there was no ladder or means for him to climb back onto the wharf.
Lawsuits are pending before both the High Court in American Samoa and a federal court in California.
The defendants - Samoa Tuna Processors, Samoa Fishing Management and Tri Marine International - have sought to have the federal case thrown out.