The Liberia Maritime Authority (LiMA) says two vessels grounded in Harper, Maryland County pose no immediate danger to navigation in Liberian waters.
Through a release issued over the weekend, LiMA notified the public of two incidents it is currently handling involving vessels that encountered propulsion and safety difficulties in the jurisdictional waters of Liberia.
In the first incident, the release said, two vessels, MV St. Daniels and MV Bakau ran out of fuel.
It said the vessels lost propulsion, became disabled, and drifted to shore in Harper.
“Investigation by the LiMA established that MV Bakau was being towed by MV St Daniels, and they were en route to Ghana for drydocking services,” the release said.
It detailed that the two vessels are currently grounded in Harper and pose no immediate danger to navigation in the area.
Additionally, on 27 October 2022, the release said, a team of inspectors from the LiMA boarded and conducted a Special Inspection on board F/V ALTAMIR IV that was towed by the Liberia Coast Guard to Monrovia Port with the assistance of Sea Shephard.
The Brazilian-flagged fishing vessel was suspected of transporting unknown goods and not fishing.
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The release said information provided to LiMA by the Captain states that the vessel departed Brazil on 15 August 2022 and was engaged in fishing activities around the Southeast of Cabo Frio, Brazil.
According to the Captain, the vessel encountered a problem with its engine and the turbo motor caught fire.
“As a result, it could not maneuver and then drifted for over a month during which it ran out of fuel, food, and water before it was towed by the Liberia Coast Guard,” the release noted.
After reviewing the inspection report for F/V ALTAMIR IV, the Commissioner of the Liberia Maritime Authority, Mr. Lenn Eugene Nagbe instructed that the deficiencies on the vessel be remedied to enable its safety and seaworthiness after which it will be allowed to sail in keeping with international maritime laws, the release said.–Press release
