Samoa will be without a patrol and rescue boat until September after its only dedicated vessel was returned to Australia.
The MV Nafanua departing Samoa on her final voyage Photo: RNZ Pacific /Autagavaia Tipi Autagavaia
Police commissioner Fuiavailili Egon Keil said he was worried about an incident happening in the next four months.
Newsline Samoa reported police have warned fishers to take more care and carry emergency and survival kits.
It is unclear why the previous patrol boat was returned but it had reportedly been in service for 30 years.
