Seven Ghanaian fishermen rescued after two weeks at sea
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on MyJoyOnline
Seven Ghanaian fishermen missing for two weeks were found in the waters of Benin and Togo, then brought safely back to Tema. The Ghanaian navy, supported by Togolese and Beninese forces as well as other partners, launched the search after receiving a distress signal on 20 October, reports MyJoyOnline.
Seven Ghanaian fishermen were rescued and brought back to Tema on Thursday 22 October after drifting for nearly two weeks in Togolese and Beninese waters. Their canoe, which left Sekondi on 9 October for Axim, had suffered engine failure, explained naval captain Festus Osei-Brobbey, head of training for the Ghanaian navy, quoted by MyJoyOnline.
The Ghanaian navy deployed three vessels, while the air force, a specialised maritime intervention unit and the security services took part in the search. The navies of Togo and Benin, regional maritime organisations and the French embassy also contributed to the operation, coordinated under the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). The Beninese navy located the fishermen on 21 October with the help of local fishermen, before they were transferred to a Togolese vessel and then to the Ghanaian vessel GNS Aflao.
The seven men were given water, food and medical care on arrival. The crew leader, Kwamena Akyem, said they had to throw their catch of fish into the sea to lighten the canoe and prevent it from capsizing. The Ghana Maritime Authority and the port authority then provided them with life jackets and clothing before their return to Sekondi, according to MyJoyOnline.
The rescue came after the search launched to find the canoe and the seven fishermen, announced on 20 October.
Summary produced with the help of artificial intelligence tools, under AFREEQUE’s editorial responsibility.
