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By: Ahoto John Justice
Seven Ghanaian fishermen who went missing at sea on October 9 have been rescued and safely returned to Tema following a multinational search and rescue operation involving the navies of Ghana, Togo and Benin.
The fishermen were rescued at about 10:36 p.m. GMT on Wednesday, October 21, in Benin waters after their canoe, Second Chance, drifted eastward following an outboard motor breakdown.
According to a joint statement issued by the Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA), the Ghana Navy and their partners, the fishermen were on a routine fishing expedition from Sekondi to Axim in the Western Region when the incident occurred.
Strong winds and sea currents reportedly carried the canoe across international maritime boundaries after the engine failure left the crew stranded at sea.
The Ghana Maritime Authority’s Vessel Traffic Management Information System (VTMIS) Unit, working with the canoe owner, the Ghana Navy, the National Signals Bureau and the Marine Police, established contact with the fishermen at about 10 a.m. on October 21.
Information gathered during subsequent communications was shared in real time with the Togolese and Beninese navies through the Multinational Maritime Coordination Centres (MMCC) for Zones F and E, facilitating the search and eventual rescue.
The seven fishermen were located and rescued by the Benin Navy, working with a local fishermen’s association. They were subsequently handed over to the Togo Navy at 11:11 p.m. before being transferred to the Ghana Navy off the coast of Aflao at 6:49 a.m. on Thursday, October 22.
The crew and their recovered canoe were transported aboard the Ghana Navy vessel GNS Aflao to the Tema Fishing Harbour.
Upon arrival, the Ghana Maritime Authority arranged accommodation for the fishermen, while the Ghana Armed Forces provided relief items, including food and life jackets. The crew are expected to undergo medical screening before returning to Sekondi.
The operation involved the Ghana, Togo and Benin navies, regional maritime coordination bodies, including CRESMAO and the MMCCs for Zones E and F, as well as local artisanal fishermen in Benin.
The agencies say the successful rescue underscores the importance of cross-border intelligence sharing and cooperation in responding to maritime emergencies, particularly when vessels drift into the waters of neighbouring countries.
Following the incident, the Ghana Maritime Authority, the Ghana Navy and the Fisheries Commission are expected to explore the mandatory use of safety transponders and location-tracking devices on artisanal fishing canoes to improve vessel monitoring and emergency response.
The agencies expressed appreciation to the governments and naval commands of Togo and Benin, regional coordination centres and the local fishermen who contributed to the rescue.
