ACCRA — Ghanaian naval and air units launched a major recovery mission Thursday after armed assailants targeted fishing crews in the Gulf of Guinea. More than 50 fishermen were brought safely back to shore following the incident off the Central Region coastline, where gunmen hijacked vessels and stole essential equipment during an early morning return from a night at sea.
Security Forces Mount Search and Rescue at Sea
At first light, the Ghana Navy and Air Force deployed ships and aircraft to locate fishermen stranded roughly 35 nautical miles from Senya Bereku. According to official statements, the fishermen were attacked while making their way back to port after routine fishing activities, forcing a swift response from maritime security units.
Eyewitnesses and rescued crew members reported that the armed men, who approached in a dark-hulled boat, fired warning shots before boarding the fishing canoes. Outboard motors, generator sets and other gear were removed from multiple vessels. Fortunately, no serious physical injuries have been reported among the fishermen so far.
Community Impact and Official Reaction
Local leaders expressed concern over the rising frequency of sea robberies, noting that fishing communities along Ghana’s coast are increasingly vulnerable to maritime crime. The Member of Parliament for Awutu Senya West confirmed that many of the affected boats were left without propulsion, leaving crews helpless until assistance arrived.
The Ghana Armed Forces appealed for calm as investigations continue and pledged to share further details about the perpetrators and their motives. Security agencies, including the Marine Police and National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO), have begun recording testimonies from survivors to aid the inquiry.
