NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer docked at the pier at the Port of Pago Pago in American Samoa.

NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer docked at the pier at the Port of Pago Pago in American Samoa. Image courtesy of the NOAA Office of Ocean Exploration and Research, 2017 American Samoa. Download larger version (jpg, 4.3 MB).

NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer docked at the pier at the Port of Pago Pago in American Samoa. Significant outreach was conducted prior to commencing the expedition. Interviews were conducted with media, and ship tours were held for local elementary through college students, local partners, government and agency representatives.

NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer docked at the pier at the Port of Pago Pago in American Samoa. Significant outreach was conducted prior to commencing the expedition. Interviews were conducted with media, and ship tours were held for local elementary through college students, local partners, and government and agency representatives. Image courtesy of the NOAA Office of Ocean Exploration and Research, 2017 American Samoa. Download larger version (jpg, 1.5 MB).

Underway!
February 16, 2017

NOAA Ship Okeanos Explorer departed Pago Pago harbor this morning to commence the first cruise leg of the 2017 American Samoa Expedition! Our first dive was conducted just outside the harbor at a site with a known Nautilus community. However, shortly before the remotely operated vehicle (ROV) reached the bottom, a mechanical issue occurred and the ROV had to be immediately recovered. The ROV engineering team expects to fix the problem tonight. After recovery, mapping operations will be conducted overtop of a ridge extending southeast of Tutuila island on the way to our next dive site at Ta'u.