Police search for missing fishing canoe and seven crew members off Axim

The Ghana Police Service is coordinating a search for a missing fishing canoe, Second Chance, and its seven crew members after the vessel failed to return from a fishing expedition off Axim in the Western Region.

The canoe left the Sekondi Fishing Harbour on October 9, but its whereabouts remain unknown.

Preliminary investigations suggest that the vessel may have suffered engine failure and drifted towards Tema and the Volta coast, although its last known position has not been confirmed.

In a press release dated October 20, the Western Regional Police Command said the search involved the Ghana Navy, Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA), Fisheries Commission and fishing communities along the coast.

“The Western Regional Marine Police Command is working with the Ghana Navy, Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA), Fisheries Commission and fishing communities to locate a missing fishing canoe, Second Chance, and its seven crew members,” the statement said.

The canoe’s owner, Nana Kweku Atta, reported the disappearance at the Fishing Harbour Police Station in Sekondi on October 18, after repeated attempts to contact the crew proved unsuccessful.

The Western Naval Command, relevant coastal police stations, chief fishermen and the Eastern Naval Command in Tema have also been alerted to assist with the search.

The police said they were working with the relevant agencies to establish the canoe’s last known position and locate the missing crew.

“Fishing communities along the coast have been urged to report any sightings or information about the canoe to the nearest police station,” the statement added.