MONROVIA, LIBERIA-At least eleven persons have been rescued, and many other missing from a sinking vessel on the Liberian waters.

The NIKO IVANKA was heading to Harper, Maryland County, from the Port of Monrovia on Saturday, July 17, 2021, when the incident occurred.

The Commissioner General of the Liberia Maritime Authority (LMA), Eugene Nagbe, told a   news conference on Sunday, July 18, 2021, that while on its journey, about six nautical miles of the coast of Marshall, water began entering the vessel.

Commissioner Nagbe disclosed that the vessel was detained, and at no time authorized to sail or carry passengers.

He said:” The commissioned search and rescue operation is continuing, through the effort of the Liberia National Coast Guard, ArcelorMittal and Sea Shepard among others.”

At the same time, the Executive Officer of the Liberia Coast Guard, Kansuah Georgorian said about twenty-six persons were on board the sinking vessel, and the crew members on board the vessel comprised Liberians, Chinese, and Swedish nationals.”

According to him, those rescued so far include nine Liberians, one Chinese and a Swedish believed to be the Captain of the vessel.

The Liberia Coast Guard Executive Officer said the search and rescue operation has been reinforced, with additional boat and manpower at both stations in Buchanan and Monrovia.

Lieutenant Kansuah said it is believed that about seven to fifteen persons are still missing.

The rescue operation, according to Lieutenant Kansuah, will continue covering fifteen-nautical miles, using expandable search and rescue equipment.