Bushrod Island – The National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority (NaFAA) has officially handed over a patrol vessel, Lone Star, to the Ministry of National Defense for use by the Liberia Coast Guard in combating illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing. The vessel will also enhance compliance and enforcement across Liberia’s nine coastal counties.
In April 2019, the Welsh Government of the United Kingdom donated the fisheries patrol vessel to the Liberian government through NaFAA to strengthen efforts against IUU fishing in Liberian territorial waters.
The vessel, Pride of Wales (FPV Aegis), constructed in 1996, is equipped with twin Caterpillar 3408 700-horsepower (hp) diesel engines. It consumes 100 to 120 liters of fuel per hour at a speed of 17 knots, has a 500-liter freshwater tank, and holds 4,000 liters of fuel across two tanks. It is also fitted with an anchor and a 60-meter chain, along with essential navigation equipment, including a compass, GPS, satellite phone, Furuno Echo Sounder, Koden Radar, searchlight with remote control, navigation lights, and four lifebuoys.
During the handover ceremony at the Mesurado Pier Office on Bushrod Island on Monday, February 10, 2025, NaFAA’s Director General, Hon. Emma Metieh Glassco, commended the Welsh Government for what she termed a “generous donation” that has significantly contributed to curbing IUU fishing and preventing piracy in Liberian waters.
“Since we received this vessel from the Welsh government, Liberia has not experienced piracy on its waters as it did in the past,” Glassco stated.
She also lauded the Liberia Coast Guard’s leadership for fostering a strong partnership with NaFAA, emphasizing that protecting Liberian waters from illegal fishing is crucial to preserving the country’s marine resources.
“If we do not protect our waters from illegal fishing, our resources risk depletion due to unregulated activities,” she cautioned.
Glassco disclosed that the collaboration between NaFAA and the Liberia Coast Guard has led to a significant reduction in maritime crime, dropping from 80% to approximately 35-40%.
Representing the Minister of National Defense, Assistant Minister for Coast Guard Hon. Richard Kamara highlighted the challenges facing Liberia’s maritime security, stressing the need for greater collaboration among government entities to combat illegal activities at sea.
Kamara described the handover of the Lone Star patrol vessel on the eve of Armed Forces Day as timely, noting that increased patrols will help deter unlawful activities and safeguard Liberia’s marine resources.
Speaking at the ceremony, the head of mission at the United Kingdom Embassy near Monrovia, Ms. Joana Markbreter, reaffirmed the longstanding ties between Liberia and the UK. She noted that the United Kingdom was the first nation to recognize Liberia as a free and independent state in Africa.
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