The Kru or Kroo are a West African ethnic group who originated in eastern Liberia and migrate and settle along various points of the West African coast, notably Freetown, Sierra Leone, but also the Ivorian and Nigerian coasts.

The Kru are famous for their skills in navigating and sailing the Atlantic.

Their maritime expertise evolves along the west coast of Africa as they make livings as fishermen and traders.

Knowing the in-shore waters of the western coast of Africa, and having nautical experience, they are employed as sailors, navigators and interpreters aboard slave ships, as well as American and British warships used against the slave trade.