The US Department of Labor in American Samoa has opened a federal investigation into the death of the 62-year-old captain of the US flagged purse seiner, Cape Farret.
Police headquarters in American Samoa. Photo: Supplied
The man died late last month while the vessel was in Pago Pago.
It is thought he fell into the sea and injured his head.
Spokesman Jose Carnevali said the agency's Occupational Safety and Health Administration had initiated an investigation into the death.
The Samoa News reported that local police had investigated the incident and had recommended closing the case, after they determined no foul play was involved, and the incident was an accident.
The deceased was a US citizen.
