Western Region: Seven missing fishermen rescued in Benin territorial waters – Police

The seven fishermen who went missing after leaving Sekondi Fishing Harbour for a fishing expedition have been rescued in Benin territorial waters, the Western Regional Police Command has announced.

The fishermen were rescued by local fishermen at about 10 p.m. on Wednesday, October 21, after they were reported missing on October 18.

The Western Regional Marine Police Command said coordination was underway with the Ghana Navy and their counterparts in Benin and Togo to facilitate the fishermen’s safe return to Ghana.

In a press release dated Thursday, October 22, the police confirmed the rescue of the seven crew members of a fishing canoe identified as 'Second Chance'.

“The fishermen namely Kofi Emmanuel 32yrs, Uncle Amoah 45 yrs, Kwamena Nkum 29yrs, Kofi Aboagye 36yrs, Doboa 35yrs, Agya Badu 42yrs, Kwamena Akyem 40yrs were rescued on 21st October 2026 at around 2200 hrs in Benin territorial waters by local fishermen,” the statement said in part.

The police did not immediately disclose the circumstances that led to the fishermen being found in Benin waters.

The crew members were reported missing after their canoe failed to return from a fishing expedition.

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

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.

Preliminary investigations had suggested that the canoe might have suffered engine failure and drifted towards Tema and the Volta coast, although its last known position had not been confirmed.

The search involved the Ghana Navy, Ghana Maritime Authority, Fisheries Commission, relevant coastal police stations and fishing communities along the coast.

“Coordination is ongoing between the Marine Police Command, Ghana Navy and their counterparts in Benin and Togo to facilitate their safe repatriation to Ghana,” the statement added.