Unknown Boat Owner Surfaced

A Canadian national, only identified as Charlie, has claimed ownership of a boat recently found along the coastline near the infamous South Beach prison facility has denied allegations that the vessel was connected to illegal activities.

Charlie, told OK FM phone-in program that he has traveled in, and out of Liberia since 2006.

He said, he originally purchased the boat as a work vessel for mineral exploration, and sand sampling in Liberian rivers.

He said, the boat was later left parked after he was unable to secure the resources needed to pursue the mineral exploration project, and that he subsequently considered using the vessel for fishing.

Charlie: “The boat eventually lost its moorings (berths, tie-point) after it was allegedly looted, and drifted into the ocean before moving down the coastline.”

 He claimed to have been informed that the vessel had been found around South Beach, and later at Miami Beach (a local playground on UN Drive), where someone reportedly anchored it.

Charlie said, he had already spoken with officers of the Liberia National Police (LNP, and that an officer who was familiar with the boat had confirmed his claim of ownership.

However, he said, he had not yet gone to police headquarters, but expected to continue discussions with the LNP leadership.

Charlie described the boat as a “solid vessel equipped with two diesel engines with relatively low operating hours.”

He meanwhile, acknowledged that it had sustained some wear, and required repairs.

He said, the boat was built to international shipping standards, and was designed to operate up to 50 miles offshore.

Charlie also rejected claims that the boat was involved in drug trafficking, saying: “I own two similar boats that had been parked for an extended period near the St. Paul River.”

 He said, he had not personally visited the location where the boat was discovered, “because he was still in Brewerville handling calls, and arrangements to retrieve the vessel.

The boat’s discovery has generated public concern, and speculation, including questions about its ownership; how it reached the coastline, and whether it may have been involved in criminal activity.

Source: Nyantee Genero Samuel Togba/DN-News Liberia.