MONROVIA–Liberia’s efforts to take hold of the ship that entered its territorial waters few days ago remain ineffective as the ship seems to be slipping away, moving farther into deep sea, thus making it harder for authorities to get closer to it.
Referred to as ‘mystery ship’ in some quarters, Vessel IB Atlantic IV reportedly entered into Liberian waters near Rivercess County recently and is being pursued by Liberians authorities in an effort to bring it under Liberia’s custody.
AFL Chief of Staff, Major General David Forleh is quoted as telling Frontpage the army, partnering with Nigeria, is enduring challenges largely spurred by limited maritime capacity, bad weather, and the ship moving farther into deep sea.
A request by the ship crew to dock in Monrovia was rejected over suspicious circumstances, in light of ongoing investigations linked to major cocaine seizures in Liberia.
Despite, the ship whose cargo and final outcome are still unknown, remain under surveillance as the government says it is actively pursuing it after it entered the country’s territorial waters after its movements raised security concerns for the Liberia Coast Guard.
Providing details about the ship, Information Minister Jerolinmek Matthew Piah Tuesday said the AFL through the Liberia Coast Guard, received a communication on July 18 from Mr. Egon Well, identified as the registered agent of Madrillion Company Incorporated.
According to the Minister, the communication informed authorities that a vessel anchored within Liberia’s territorial waters urgently required engine lubricating oil, fresh water, and other essential provisions because low engine oil levels had significantly reduced its operating capacity.
The company requested Coast Guard assistance to escort a service vessel carrying the supplies from the port to the anchored vessel.
“After reviewing the request, the Liberia Coast Guard became suspicious when it established that the vessel was operating within Liberia’s territorial waters without the necessary authorization from the appropriate authorities,” he said. “The vessel’s movements and activities further heightened security concerns, prompting the Coast Guard to classify it as a vessel of interest and begin close monitoring.”
He disclosed that on August 1, 2026, the Coast Guard Maritime Operations Center observed the vessel moving within another section of Liberia’s territorial waters. A patrol team was immediately dispatched to intercept it. However, as security personnel approached, the vessel reportedly moved farther into deeper waters instead of remaining in place for assistance, thereby increasing suspicions surrounding its activities.
According to the Minister, the Government has since requested assistance from regional maritime security partners to help track and intercept the vessel.
He further revealed that a smaller service boat believed to have been communicating directly with the larger vessel has already been intercepted, with three individuals currently in government custody assisting investigators.
Minister Piah assured the public that efforts to locate and intercept the vessel remain ongoing.
Responding to questions during the press briefing, the Minister also addressed reports circulating on social media and maritime tracking platforms suggesting that the vessel had not entered Liberia’s territorial waters.
He maintained that the Government’s position is based on information provided by Liberia’s maritime and national security authorities, not unofficial online tracking systems.
According to him, once security agencies confirmed the vessel’s presence within Liberia’s territorial waters, the Coast Guard immediately initiated surveillance and pursuit operations.
Minister Piah cautioned against relying solely on publicly available vessel-tracking information, emphasizing that operational intelligence available to Liberia’s maritime security agencies provides a more accurate basis for decision-making.
The Government says investigations into the vessel’s activities remain ongoing as security agencies continue efforts to locate, intercept, and determine the purpose of its presence in Liberia’s territorial waters.
Amid the uncertainty surrounding the ship, Solidarity Trust for a New Day (STAND) has raised concerns. It said the opaqueness of the ship circumstances further reinforce the need for investigators to examine every credible lead connected to the country’s ongoing narcotics investigations.
According to the statement, Liberia’s drug trafficking cases represent a significant national security concern that requires sustained public attention and institutional accountability.
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