HARPER, Maryland County, October 5, 2026 — Police in Maryland County are questioning a 20-year-old fisherman identified as Bishop Doe as authorities and local fishermen continue searching for another fisherman who reportedly went missing at sea during a fishing expedition.
The incident reportedly occurred on September 29, 2026, when Doe and the missing fisherman went to sea in a canoe and encountered rough weather off Maryland County’s coast.
Speaking to reporters at the Harper Police Station, Doe said strong waves swept both men from the canoe during the fishing trip.
According to Doe, he managed to survive the waves but could no longer see his companion despite repeatedly calling out to him.
He said he eventually swam toward the shoreline, where he was rescued by a Nigerian national.
Police have since taken Doe into custody for questioning as part of an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the disappearance. Authorities have not announced any charge against him.
Meanwhile, Kru Fishing Chief Alfred Nah said local fishing authorities launched a search after receiving information that one of the two fishermen had returned while the other remained missing.
According to Nah, groups of fishermen were dispatched by boat to search offshore waters, while others combed the coastline for signs of the missing man.
He said preliminary information available to fishing authorities suggests that the canoe did not capsize, although weather conditions at sea were reportedly poor.
“The canoe did not capsize, but the sea was rough and the wind was strong,” Nah said.
Chief Nah further disclosed that the owner of the canoe had reportedly sought permission from the missing fisherman’s family on several occasions before the family eventually agreed to allow him to participate in the fishing trip.
According to Nah, three individuals had initially planned to go fishing, but the canoe owner reportedly decided not to make the trip after observing worsening weather conditions, leaving the other two fishermen to proceed.
The circumstances surrounding the fisherman’s disappearance remain under investigation, while the search for him continues.
The incident has also renewed concerns about safety practices among fishermen operating along Maryland County’s coastline.
Chief Nah said local fishing authorities are considering measures to strengthen safety compliance, including mandatory registration of fishermen before they are permitted to go to sea.
“Anyone who refuses to register will not be allowed to fish,” he warned, adding that some fishermen, particularly those involved in nighttime fishing, currently operate without proper registration.
Nah said fishing authorities would continue working with the Liberia National Police and local fishing communities to improve compliance with safety measures and reduce the risks faced by fishermen at sea.
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