Theories range from abandonment to piracy, although Tamaya 1's last known position was well north of active Gulf of Guinea pirate groups who typically stick to the waters off Nigeria.
The Liberia national police and bureau of immigration inspected the ship, days after local residents first discovered it on the beach.
A port authority insider said: "Our best bet is that the vessel's owner might have gone broke and had no money to pay crew members ... and therefore, the crew abandoned the ship."
The ship was reportedly looted and vandalised as it lay stranded on the shore. Police are now trying to keep locals away from the ship as they investigate.
Adding to the confusion, the Liberian government has copped a barrage of criticism after it was revealed it was unaware of the ship's existence until two days after it washed ashore.
The revelation has triggered a debate over safety and security in Liberian waters.
An investigation is has been launched by local authorities under the auspices of the Liberia Maritime Authority (LMA).
The authority will meet to determine the facts behind the incident later this week, when more details are expected to be revealed.
