Ophelia Ship Details and Seafarer Feedback

The Liberia Maritime Authority (LiMA) is taking decisive action to ensure that the captain and crew of the vessel 'Ophelia' face legal consequences following a harrowing incident involving stowaways. Allegations have emerged that the crew threw overboard more than a dozen stowaways who were discovered onboard. The troubling episode unfolded on September 7, 2023, when approximately 14 individuals, reportedly from Nigeria, managed to clandestinely board the ship while it was docked at Warri. Three days later, as the ship was navigating off the coast of Liberia, the crew came across the stowaways, two of whom sadly did not survive after being thrown overboard. The remaining 12 individuals were later rescued by fishermen from local Liberian boats. In response to this grave incident, LiMA has launched a comprehensive investigation to ensure accountability for all parties involved. Additionally, other Government of Liberia agencies, including the Liberia Immigration Service, are currently conducting extensive inquiries into the matter to uphold both Liberian and international maritime laws.

In a troubling development, the Liberia Maritime Authority (LiMA) has announced an investigation following reports that the captain and crew of the cargo ship 'Ophelia' were involved in the deaths of two Nigerian stowaways. The deceased, identified as Frank and Osas Velurobo, tragically lost their lives during a perilous journey that began when they boarded the vessel unlawfully at Delta Port, Warri on September 7, 2023, with aspirations of reaching Japan. Eyewitness accounts reveal that approximately a dozen other stowaways were thrown overboard but managed to survive after being rescued by local fishermen at Gbanken Beach in Grand Kru town. These survivors, including Emmanuel Beal, Mike Wilson, Precious Uwalogho, Igiebo Stephen, Soumo Yoel, and Temeta Adebiyi Adewale, recounted their harrowing experience, citing extreme economic hardship as the motivation for their ill-fated attempt. They alleged that the ship's crew subjected them to horrific treatment, including chemical exposure, and that their two compatriots met a tragic fate after attempting to escape into the vast ocean. The case has raised serious concerns about the safety and treatment of stowaways in maritime operations, prompting LiMA to take immediate action.

On September 10, 2022, a harrowing incident unfolded aboard the 'Ophelia,' a ship sailing along the Liberian coast while traveling from Lagos to Orinoco. Fourteen Nigerian stowaways initially sought refuge on the vessel, but the situation quickly spiraled into tragedy. As the stowaways were discovered by the crew after a desperate bid for food, two of them were reportedly killed by a crew member from China. The remaining stowaways, faced with dire circumstances, either jumped overboard or were forcibly thrown into the water. Six individuals successfully swam to safety and reached the shore, where they alerted the Joint Security Task Force in Grand Kru, with Chris Teah coordinating their rescue. Another six stowaways were located and rescued by the Joint Security Task Force following the incident. Reports indicate that the ship’s Automatic Identification System (AIS) had been turned off since September 9, complicating the details surrounding the event. The stowaways had reportedly endured five grueling days without food and water after departing from Lagos, leading to their desperate actions aboard the ship.