Abandoned vessel found off Monrovia coast sparks security probe

An unidentified and abandoned vessel has washed ashore along the coastline of Monrovia, Liberia, prompting a joint investigation by the Liberia National Police (LNP) and maritime authorities. Responders found the vessel grounded and completely empty of crew members. Investigators are currently working to trace the ship’s origin, examine its registration, markings, and cargo, and determine the circumstances that led to it coming ashore.

The discovery has raised security concerns due to its location behind the Monrovia Central Prison. This follows previous warnings from the prison’s Deputy Superintendent for Operations, Jackson K. Kolako, who alleged that a plan was being developed to facilitate a mass jailbreak involving foreign nationals detained in a major cocaine investigation. While authorities have secured the vessel and stated that “no conclusion regarding criminal activity has yet been reached,” the timing of the arrival has drawn scrutiny regarding potential links to prison security.