American Samoa and the Swains Island Expeditions

Storms at sea, dangerous dive operations, and the science and mysteries of archeology drive this intriguing, true story set in the far Pacific. The narrative follows the adventures of two expeditions to a remote, unique, and uninhabited speck of land in the South Pacific — Swains Island — where author Daniel J. Basta introduces the reader to a traditional Polynesian culture and tiny Fagatele Bay. At the same time, he documents the expeditions’ roles in laying the foundations for the largest expansion of a marine sanctuary in U.S. history. Throughout the book, interesting and unorthodox personalities come to life, including that of Jean Michel Cousteau, whose award-winning documentary film about the second expedition, Swains Island — One of the Last Jewels of the Planet, escalates sanctuary expansion efforts. Finally, President George W. Bush takes action that leads to the creation of the National Marine Sanctuary of American Samoa. But, above all, this story is about people — the American Samoans!