Why Is the Police Delaying the Investigation of the Agios Bessetere Yacht?
By Kelvin Jay
When the suspected cocaine-laden yacht Agios Bessetere docked at Hamilton Beach, concerned community members promptly raised the alarm and alerted the authorities. In response, police officers swiftly arrived at the scene, conducted a preliminary search of the vessel, and later informed the public that nothing of “police interest” had been found.
Subsequently, the Sierra Leone Police issued a statement assuring the public that the matter was under active investigation and that any significant developments would be communicated in due course. Days later, police spokesperson Brima Kamara told the media that the investigation was ongoing and confirmed that three Filipinos were aboard the vessel when it experienced engine failure and ran aground. However, he did not disclose whether those individuals were in custody or had been released.
When Voice of Salone Newspaper inquired about the yacht’s port of origin, its registration details, and legal status under the Sierra Leone flag, the police spokesperson stated only that “the investigation will reveal” — offering no concrete information.
It has now been over four weeks since the incident, yet the police have remained notably silent. No official update has been given regarding whether any charges will be filed, whether the case will proceed to court, or the current status and whereabouts of the three crew members. This lack of transparency has left the public in the dark.
This conspicuous silence on a matter of such public interest has prompted this newspaper to pose several key questions to the police — questions that, as of this writing, remain unanswered:
• Are the three crew members still in police custody?
• Has the police identified the owner of the yacht?
• At this stage in the investigation, is the matter expected to be charged to court?
• Did the yacht have legal authorization to operate under the Sierra Leone flag?
Despite these questions being submitted to the police spokesperson via WhatsApp several days ago, no response has been received.
The prolonged lack of communication and clarity has sparked growing concern among citizens. The public is increasingly wary that authorities may be withholding critical information, fueling widespread speculation that there is more to this story than meets the eye.
As the days turn into weeks with no progress or answers, public trust in the transparency and accountability of the investigative process continues to erode.
