Stowaway Dies At T'di Port

DAILY GUIDE has gathered that one out of nine stowaways who jumped from a foreign vessel into the sea at the Takoradi Port in the Western Region last Wednesday, met his untimely death.

The nine, all residents of New Takoradi, were allegedly hiding themselves in a Singaporean vessel, MV Kota Bunga , without the Ship Master noticing them.

DAILY GUIDE gathered that the foreign vessel was at the Takoradi Port to load bauxite from Ghana to China.

According to sources, the nine hid themselves in various apartments, including the anchor hole of the vessel. The name of the deceased was given only as Kwansa, 20 years old.

Kwansa's death was said to have been noticed during departure formalities.

Confirming the incident in an interview with DAILY GUIDE , Chief Supt. Samuel Owusu Berko, Director of Marine Police, wondered why the nine thought they would be able to make it as stowaways to foreign countries.

He noted that at about 8:30 pm on Wednesday his outfit received information that nine persons had entered the port and sneaked into the vessel.

He indicated that the crew of the vessel detected some human activities during the departure formalities and had to conduct a search all over again.

He pointed out that, realising danger, the nine came out of their holes and jumped into the sea.

However, Kwansa was unable to swim. He was said to have taken in more sea water and allegedly died in the process.

Chief Supt. Samuel Owusu Berko revealed that two of the stowaways were arrested while six others managed to swim away.

He gave the names of the arrested persons as Ahmed Barns, 24 and Peter Bekah, 16.

From Emmanuel Opoku, Takoradi