The Liberia Coast Guard (LCG) successfully rescued two missing Chinese vessels moving in the direction of Buchanan, Grand Bassa County on February 11, 2024. 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 that two missing Chinese vessels that departed the Freeport of Monrovia on February 6, 2024 and was heading towards the Port of Buchanan, could not be located, which prompted the LCG to launch a search and rescue operation on February 10, 2024 in a two-day search and rescue operation.
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 that 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 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.
A press release from the Armed Forces of Liberia said the LCG has once again demonstrated its capability to execute critical search and rescue operations that uphold safety and comply with international maritime regulations.
