The House of Representatives Committee on Claims and Petition, has formally met with families of the victims of M/V NIKO IVANKAR boat incident, which claimed several lives.
During the meeting, family members made a heartfelt appeal to the leadership of the House for the payment of compensation promised to them following the tragedy.
They spoke of the immense hardship and loss endured since the incident, and requested that the government fulfill its responsibility to provide the needed financial support.
The families recalled how the Senate’s report of the October 27, 2021, recommended the payment of US$20,000 per victim as compensation.
They noted that nearly four years have passed since the tragedy, therefore, they called on the government to expedite the process to ease the burdens they continue to bear.
In response, members of the Committee instructed the Chief Clerk to officially write the Minister of Finance to ensure that this compensation is captured in the 2026 National Budget, which is currently being prepared by the Executive.
The Committee reaffirmed its commitment to work with the leadership of the House and relevant government institutions to ensure that the families receive the support, and relief they deserved.
The Chairman, Representative Prince Toles, on behalf of his colleagues, extends deepest condolences to the families and assures them that their plight remains a priority as part of the legislature responsibility to citizens affected by tragedies.
Incident history
The M/V Niko Ivanka incident referred to a Liberian-registered cargo vessel that sank off the coast of Liberia on July 17, 2021, resulting in the deaths of several people, including West African Examination Council (WAEC) staff.
The ship, which was carrying passengers despite being a cargo carrier, and was under a detention order for safety violations, was allowed to sail due to negligence by port officials.
Eleven people were rescued, but the exact number of fatalities had remained disputed, with reports citing between seven and a dozen deaths.
An investigation by the Senate found the National Port Authority (NPA) and the Liberia Maritime Authority (LiMA) negligent in allowing the vessel to sail.
The M/V Niko Ivanka, a Liberian-registered cargo ship sank off the coast of Margibi County after leaving the Freeport of Monrovia, heading to Harper, Maryland County.
Nine WAEC staff members were among the passengers, and the vessel was not intended for passenger transport.