“Suspicious Vessel Flees Liberian Waters as 3 gets Arrested, Gov’t Seeks Help to Hunt I.B. Atlantic

By Staff Writer

Monrovia — The Liberian government has arrested three people and is seeking international help to track a foreign vessel, the I.B. Atlantic, accused of illegally entering Liberia’s waters off Grand Cape Mount County.

Information Minister Jerolinmek M. Piah disclosed Tuesday that the vessel was spotted near Robertsport on August 1 after its registered Liberian agent made a distress call citing engine failure and food shortages. When Liberia’s Coast Guard moved to intercept, the I.B. Atlantic slowly retreated into deep sea — beyond the current reach of Liberian patrol boats. That maneuver has raised serious red flags.

“Three persons, including a dismissed RIA staff, are in security custody undergoing investigation in connection with the vessel,” Minister Piah told the Ministry of Information’s regular press briefing. He did not name the suspects or detail their alleged roles. The Ministry said it has requested international assistance to pursue the vessel and conduct a full investigation.

The incident comes amid heightened scrutiny of Liberia’s waters following two major cocaine busts this year totaling US$336 million. Authorities are probing whether the country is being used as a transnational trafficking hub. The I.B. Atlantic’s sudden appearance, distress call, and retreat have fueled suspicions of a link to organized crime.

With West Africa under growing pressure as a transit route for narcotics, the government says it is tightening maritime surveillance and cooperation with regional partners. For now, the I.B. Atlantic remains at large, and investigators say more arrests are possible as the probe continues.