The ‘ghost’ Comoros-flagged Cargo vessel “IB Atlantic IV,” that strangely docked in the territorial waters and exclusive economic zone of Liberia but later disappaeared after it was being pursued by a Coast Guard mission, has finally been arrested in Ivory Coast.
Speaking to Verity News, a local maritime agent who prefers anonymity said that the arrest was made possible through a joint maritime security mission under the Combined Maritime Task Force (CMTF) framework.
“…I can confirm that the strange vessel has been arrested through a joint mission between Liberia, Ivory, and Sierra Leone. The Armed Forces of Liberia coordinated and led this maritime process, and finally the vessel was caught in Ivory Coast. It is expected that the vessel will be turned over and returned to Liberia,” the local agent told Verity News.
After fleeing Liberia, IB Atlantic IV Maroni was first spotted sailing along the Coast of San Pedro. The vessel was later arrested and escorted to the Port of Abidjan in Ivory Coast, according to Maritime sources and realtime marine traffic data.
The Combined Maritime Task Force (CMTF) was established to combat piracy and other transnational maritime crimes affecting 26 diverse countries which have over 6,000 kilometers of coastlines, stretching from Senegal to Angola.
Launched on 1 June, 2026, the Combined Maritime Task Force (CMTF) is a bold joint initiative led by six countries including Liberia, Côte d’Ivoire, The Gambia, Ghana, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone.
More details to follow.
