The Liberia Coast Guard (LCG) on February 11, 2024 in a two-day search-and-rescue operation successfully rescued missing Chinese vessels moving in the direction of Buchana, Grand Bassa County. The vessels are identified as Hai Da 05 and Hai Da 06.
On February 8, 2024, the Chinese Embassy informed the headquarters of the Armed Forces of Liberia (AFL) that two missing Chinese vessels departed the Freeport of Monrovia on February 6, 2024, heading towards the Port of Buchanan.
Upon receiving this information, the LCG launched a search-and-rescue operation on February 10, 2024, at approximately 6:00 a.m. The team of rescue operators comprised of four sailors, including two fast patrol boats. The search covered an area of over 9 nautical miles seaward and 35 nautical miles along the coastline, which was designated as the last known location of the missing vessels.
On February 11, 2024, the team applied continued intensive and tactical efforts and expanded the search area to over 12 nautical miles seaward, until Hao Yun 01, which assisted in the search-and-rescue operation, spotted the two missing vessels in the Fanti Town area and informed the LCG immediately.
Upon receiving this information, the LCG search-and-rescue team immediately navigated to the location and rescued the two missing Chinese vessels.
The vessels were found adrift, in a partially capsized condition, and with one crew member on board each. The rescued vessels are currently anchored at the port of Buchanan under the close watch of the LCG.
Petty Officer 1 (PO1) Coks, Richard Fred Pratt, Petty Officer 2 (PO2) Mulbah, Korboi B., PO2 Tumbay, Joseph and Seaman (SN) Combaque, Timothy executed the search-and-rescue operation.
The LCG has once again demonstrated its capability to execute critical search-and-rescue operations that uphold safety and comply with international maritime regulations.