Bushrod Island Liberia- The Liberian Fisheries Authority, NaFAA has officially handed over a Patrol Vessel known as the Lone Star, to the Ministry of National Defense (Armed Forces of Liberia) for use by the Liberia Coast Guard to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing and at the same time, enhance compliance and enforcement across the nine coastal Counties.
It can be recalled, April 2019, the Welsh Government of the United Kingdom donated the Fisheries Patrol Vessel, to the Government of Liberia through the National Fisheries and Aquaculture Authority, NaFAA to boost the government’s effort towards curbing illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing activities on the Liberian Territorial Waters.
The Vessel, the Pride of Wales (FPV Aegis) which was constructed in 1996, has a Twin Caterpillar 3408 700 horsepower (hp) diesel engine, consumes 100/120 liter per hour at 17 Knots, has a 500-liter fresh water tank, and holds 4000 liters of fuel in two tanks.
It has an anchor with a 60m chain, navigation equipment including a compass and GPS, satellite phone, Furuno Echo Sounder, Koden Radar, searchlight with remote control, navigation lights, and four lifebuoys.
Marking remarks and turning over the Lone Star Fisheries Vessel to the Minister of Defense through a Proxy Hon. Richard Kamara Assistant Minister, Coast Guard Monday, February 10, 2025, at the Mesurado Pier Office on Bushrod Island, the Director General of the Liberian Fisheries Authority commended the Welsh Government of the United Kingdom for what she termed as ‘generous donation’ that has helped curb Illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing and also prevent piracy on Liberia’s waters.
“Since we got this vessel from the Welsh government, Liberia has not experienced piracy on its waters as it were in the past”
At the same time, Hon. Emma Metieh Glassco lauded the Liberia Coast Guard through its leadership for the cordial working relationship which has resulted in a stronger partnership between the two government institutions.
“if we do not protect our waters from illegal fishing activities our resources risk depletion from Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated fishing activities”
She also disclosed that the Liberian Fisheries Authority’s partnership with the Liberia Coast Guard has led to a drastic reduction in the crime rate at sea from 80% to 35-40%.
Moreover, the proxy for the Minister of Defense at the occasion Hon. Richard Kamara Assistant Minister of Coast Guard said Liberia’s Maritime space is challenged therefore the need for joint collaboration among government entities highly exists to achieve success in the fight against illegal activities on the waters.
Minister Kamara termed the turning over of the Lone Star patrol vessel as taking place on the eve of the Armed Forces Day of Liberia as being timely as patrols on Liberia’s waters will help curb illegal activities and ensure the protection of the natural resources.
Also speaking, during the ceremony, the head of Mission at the United Kingdom Embassy near Monrovia, Ms. Joana Markbreter recounted the long-standing relationship that exists between Liberia and the United Kingdom, stating that the United Kingdom was the first Nation to recognize Liberia as a free Independent Nation in Africa.
