By: Naomi Tappia
The capsizing of Liberia’s Nikko Ivanka vessel on July 17 has caused public outcry with the country’s opposition and civil society organizations blaming authorities for negligence.
Montserrado County tabloids reported that the Chinese operated vessel capsized last week, Saturday, killing more than half of the 22 passengers who were onboard.
AfricaWorld Newspaper Liberia correspondent reported that survivors of this tragic marine accident were rescued by joint efforts of the country’s Armed Forces and Maritime Authorities.
Addressing the nation earlier this week, Liberia Maritime Authority Commissioner Eugene Nagbe and Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of Liberia Maj General Prince Charles Johnson III said in a joint statement that “the vessel while underway to Harper Maryland County, about 6 nautical miles off coast of Marshall City, reportedly started to take in water, prompting the Liberia Maritime Authority in collaboration with the Ministry of National Defense/Armed forces of Liberia (Liberia Coast Guard) to mobilize and commenced search and rescue operations”.
The sinking of Nikko Ivanka vessel which trades between ports Monrovia and Harp has sparked widespread government condemnation as it is alleged that authorities permitted HYLAFA INC, a group of Chinese nationals to use the cargo vessel for transporting people.
According to critics, the George Weah led administration allegedly permitted the Vessel to cruise even though, the previous administration of former President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, reportedly grounded it for safety reasons.
Mr. Nagbe disclosed that “the vessel was detained and not allowed to sail,” adding that “the vessel was at no time permitted to carry passengers or operate as passenger vessel”.
With many unconfirmed reports speculating that the vessel had 28 passengers onboard, several thousand Liberians are calling on government to launch immediate investigations into the accident and bring to book those who authorized a cargo vessel to transport people.
Citizens have also asked authorities to explain why the Nikko Ivanka vessel operates without restrictions.
