Ghana Navy rescues seven fishermen from Beninese waters

Seven Ghanaian fishermen have returned safely to the Tema Fishing Harbour on October 22, 2026, after being rescued from Beninese waters following a two-week disappearance at sea. The crew of the canoe, known as the Second Chance, was reported missing after their vessel suffered a critical engine failure during a routine fishing expedition. This mechanical breakdown left the men adrift and unable to navigate back to shore, triggering a high-stakes maritime search operation. The successful recovery of the fishermen was the result of a coordinated multinational search operation initiated and led by the Ghana Navy. Working with regional partners, the Navy was able to track the drifting vessel into the territorial waters of Benin. Upon their arrival in Tema, the seven men were reported to be in good health, despite the prolonged period spent at sea without propulsion. The operation has been praised as a successful example of regional maritime cooperation in the Gulf of Guinea. The incident has prompted urgent discussions regarding safety standards within the local fishing industry. The Ghana Navy and the Fisheries Commission noted that the absence of distress-tracking devices on the Second Chance made locating the crew significantly more difficult. In response, the Fisheries Commission is now investigating the introduction of mandatory maritime tracking technology to assist in future emergencies. Additionally, there are renewed calls for the government to provide improved naval assets to enhance the country’s search and rescue capabilities.