MONROVIA, LIBERIA-Cameroonian Ambassador to Liberia wants tougher punishment for owners of the MV-Ophelia Vessel that recently dumped a dozen migrants off the shores on Grand Kru.

Ambassador Beng’yela Gang said:” Such move will serve as deterrence for other traffickers who often maltreat their victims.”

In early September this year, 12 migrants (eleven Nigerians and a Cameroonian) were rescued by local fishermen in Grandcess, after they were maltreated and dumped in the water by the ship crew.

Speaking at a press conference called by the Liberia Immigration Service (LIS) Wednesday, September 22, 2022, Ambassador Gang said the migrants would have died at sea had the fishermen not applied brave efforts.

He then lauded the Government of Liberia, through the LIS, for the way it has handled the situation so far.

The migrants boarded the ship in Nigeria on September 7, with the hope of reaching the United States, but saw their dreams cut short when crew member left them fighting for survival in the middle of the sea.

Meanwhile, authorities of the MV-Ophelia Vessel have taken full responsibility of the incident.

Speaking at a Press conference, Wednesday, September 22, 2022, an agent of the MV- Ophelia Vessel, Austin Taylor said the vessel owners have since regretted the unfortunate situation.

According to Mr. Taylor, the vessel owners took the decision so as to safeguard the crew and the vessel from being attacked by pirates.

He noted that owners of the vessel are collaborating with the requisite authorities to safely repatriate the migrants.

By: Vasta Tarlue