On Tuesday, July 22, 2025, a suspected boat believed to be carrying illicit substances crashed onto Hamilton Beach in Freetown’s Western Area. The vessel, flying the Sierra Leonean flag, had three Filipino crew members on board.
According to eyewitnesses, local youths attempted to search the boat, but the Sierra Leone Police quickly intervened, cordoning off the area. A heavily armed team of state security officers later secured the scene.
In an official statement, the Sierra Leone Police confirmed a joint search with the RSLAF Navy Wing, stating that nothing of police interest or security concern was found on the suspicious yacht, named Agios Basseterre. However, the police did not disclose the yacht’s origin, destination, or ownership.
The incident has raised questions about transparency and security. The continued presence of military and police officers around the yacht has sparked speculation about what they might be protecting.
This incident follows recent drug trafficking concerns in Sierra Leone, including a suspected cocaine boat landing in Waterloo and the discovery of cocaine in an embassy vehicle earlier this year.
We will continue to monitor this story and provide updates as more information becomes available.
