The Liberia Maritime Authority (LiMA) has pledged to investigate killing two Nigerians stowaways identified as Frank and Osas Velurobo, by captain and other crew members of a Panama-flagged ship MV Ophelia.
WITHIN NIGERIA had reported that an Asian ship crew members killed and throw at least two Nigerians into the ocean while aboard the Ophelia Panana ship off the shores of Gbanken Beach in Grand Kru Town, Liberia.
About a dozen others were thrown into the ocean but escaped and were rescued by fishermen at Gbanken Beach, Grand Kru town, Liberia.
Reacting to the incident, Maritime Commissioner, Lenn Eugene Nagbe revealed that LiMA has instituted a panel to investigate the matter and will ensure that all criminals are brought to book.
According to Nigeria Abroad, Nagbe said Liberia Immigration Service is also working with LiMA to hasten the investigation.
He also said the agency has taken some measures of both national and international maritime standards on the incident.
The report listed the measures as: “transmitted a formal communication to the Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization informing him of the incident. The communication is also soliciting the cooperation and support of IMO in the investigative process.
It has also “informed the Panamanian government through available diplomatic channels including a transmittal from Liberia IMO Permanent Representative, Moses Owen Browne to his Panamanian counterpart.”
It said Panama has the responsibility to ensure the enforcement of relevant international instruments being the flag state of the vessel.
While it has communicated with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Liberia, it extended it to other regional bodies including the Nigerian government in Abuja to assist in apprehending the vessel.
“It also communicated with the ship owner and the agent to make representation and participate in discussions regarding arranging and financing the maintenance and repatriation of the stowaways,” the report added.
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