Over Suspected Cocaine Boat at Hamilton… Maritime Rescue & Coordinating Centre Must Explain

By Kelvin Jay

Following public reports of a suspected cocaine-laden vessel spotted at Beach One in the Hamilton community, the Sierra Leone Police—alongside the Republic of Sierra Leone Armed Forces (RSLAF) Navy—launched a joint operation. In a press release dated 22nd July 2025, the police confirmed the intervention was carried out by the Maritime Wing and the Navy.

The release stated unequivocally that “nothing of police interest was discovered on the boat” and commended the public for providing timely intelligence that triggered the response.
To understand community sentiment, this newspaper visited Hamilton and spoke to multiple eyewitnesses who were present during the incident. According to them, the vessel in question is a familiar sight in the area, reportedly operating along the same route regularly.

On the day in question, concerned locals raised the alarm, prompting swift deployment of police and military personnel. Community members—including the village headman and Youth Chairlady, Yeama—told our reporter that they had agreed with security forces to conduct a full search of the boat.

However, they say the situation took a suspicious turn after a call was received by one of the personnel on site. Eyewitnesses allege that instructions were issued via phone to halt the search immediately. Following the call, officers were seen heavily guarding the vessel and barring public access.

“We strongly believe the boat was carrying cocaine,” one local resident claimed.
“The way the search was suddenly called off—and how they shielded it afterward—makes us even more suspicious.”

Despite the police’s assertion that nothing of interest was found, the conflicting narrative from eyewitnesses has fueled public skepticism. To seek clarity, this newspaper posed the following questions to the SierraLeone Police Spokesman, Brima Kamara:
1. Were any community representatives present during the official search?
2. What was the source of the intelligence leading to the operation?
3. Is the boat registered in Sierra Leone?
4. Where was the vessel coming from when it experienced engine failure?
Mr. Kamara replied:
• On community presence: “They [the community] were at the scene even before we got there. What more were you expecting? The boat is still there.”
• On the intelligence source: “Check the press release—you’ll see in the last paragraph it was the public. As to who exactly gave the tip-off—you know we can’t reveal sources, just like journalists don’t.”
• On registration and origin: “The investigation will reveal that.”

In pursuit of further clarity, this newspaper contacted Mr. Daniel Kaitibie, Executive Director of the Sierra Leone Maritime Administration. Despite reading our written request, he declined to comment.

We also reached out to Mr. Baio, a staff member at the Maritime Rescue and Coordinating Centre (MRCC)—the agency responsible for maritime communication, safety, and vessel tracking. When contacted via phone, Mr. Baio questioned the journalist’s identity and asked how his number was obtained. After being informed that the inquiry was for a media investigation, he abruptly ended the call. Moments later, he blocked the reporter’s number.

A follow-up message sent to Mr. Baio included the following questions:
• Is the Agios Bessetere yacht registered under Sierra Leone maritime laws?
• Was the yacht authorized to fly the Sierra Leone flag?
• Did MRCC receive any distress signals or communications regarding engine failure?

Although the message was marked as “read,” no response was provided.

Multiple attempts to reach other MRCC officials and the Public Relations Officer of the Maritime Administration were unsuccessful. All declined to provide any clarification.

While the Sierra Leone Police has demonstrated some openness by responding to media inquiries, the Maritime Administration, under the leadership of Mr. Kaitibie, has remained silent. Their lack of transparency is deepening public mistrust.

Eyewitnesses remain adamant in their belief that the boat was involved in narcotics trafficking. The sudden halt of the search, the restricted access to the vessel, and the silence from maritime authorities are all contributing to a growing narrative of a possible cover-up.

This newspaper will continue to investigate and publish updates as more facts emerge. In future editions, we aim to uncover why public institutions—mandated to uphold transparency and national security—are refusing to speak on a matter of such critical national interest.