Anefal welcomed the vessel’sCapt. Pete Lipanovich and his crew to their home away from home and hoped that this brief stop in port would provide for some rest to the crew as he was sure the maiden voyage crossed rough seas due to unfavorable weather conditions.
He congratulated the achievement of Diving Seagull Inc. and the vision of Yap Investment Board in its support toward DSI.
Anefal also discussed how the fishing industry is an important part of the development of the Yapese economy.
“The tuna caught in this part of the world provide for over half the world supply,” he said.
He suggested that this presents a big opportunity for the economy of Yap to reap the benefits of tuna fishing.
With the purchase of the Diving Seagull, hopefully a local company can step forward and become a promising tuna fishing company, he added.
Anefal noted that it cost millions of dollars to purchase DSI and he thanked the FSM Developmental Bank and the Bank of Guam for lending the necessary funds.
The FV Yap Seagull will sail away with six Yapese fishermen on its maiden voyage.
Anefal thanked these men, for leaving friends and family and being open toward learning a new fishing method that may be different from typical Yapese style of fishing.
Anefal said the government supports the development and expansion of the private sector.
After his speech, the boat was properly christened.
