Have Police Released the 3 Filipino Crew Members Caught on Suspected Yacht in Hamilton?
By Voice of Salone Investigative Team
On August 27, 2025, Voice of Salone Newspaper submitted a series of critical questions to the Sierra Leone Police Spokesperson, Brima Kamara, regarding the ongoing investigation into the Agios Bessetere yacht, which mysteriously landed at Hamilton Beach One on July 22, 2025, at approximately 10:30 AM.
This inquiry follows up on the widely publicized discovery of the yacht, which remains under police investigation. At the time, the Sierra Leone Police assured the public they would provide timely updates and maintain transparency in their findings. However, over one month and two weeks have passed, and no substantial public update has been issued.
Following the incident, the police released a statement indicating that nothing of “police interest” was discovered aboard the vessel. However, the release confirmed that three Filipino crew members were on board when the yacht became grounded at Hamilton.
In a subsequent reaffirmation, Spokesperson Brima Kamara reiterated this position but did not clarify the status of the three individuals—specifically, whether they were placed in custody, released, or are being held for questioning.
This lack of clarity has sparked public speculation and concerns about transparency in the police investigation. In response, Voice of Salone submitted the following follow-up questions to the Sierra Leone Police:
1. Are the three Filipino crew members still in police custody?
2. What is the origin and ownership of the Agios Bessetere?
3. Was the yacht legally registered and authorized to fly the Sierra Leone flag?
4. Based on the current stage of the investigation, is the matter expected to be charged in court?
As of the time of this publication, the Police Spokesperson has not responded to these inquiries.
The silence from the police has only fueled growing public skepticism. The failure to disclose whether the foreign nationals remain in custody—or have been quietly released—raises serious questions about how this investigation is being handled.
Given Sierra Leone’s recent struggles with allegations of international criminal activity along its coastline, the public has a right to be kept informed about developments, especially when foreign-flagged vessels land unannounced.
