Seven Sekondi fishermen rescued by Ghana Navy after two-week ordeal

Seven fishermen from the Sekondi-Takoradi metropolis have returned safely to Tema after surviving nearly two weeks adrift at sea following a mechanical failure. The crew, who set off from the coastal community of Ngyeresia, was rescued through a coordinated international effort involving the navies of Benin, Togo, and Ghana. The group arrived at the Tema port on October 21, 2026, ending a harrowing eleven-day survival ordeal that began when their canoe’s outboard motor broke down.

The crew’s journey turned into a crisis on October 12, 2026, during a fishing expedition from Sekondi toward Axim. According to 29-year-old fisherman Kwamena Nkum, the outboard motor failed unexpectedly, leaving the vessel at the mercy of the ocean currents. Within five days of the breakdown, the crew had completely exhausted their supplies of food and fresh water. To survive, the men resorted to catching fresh fish and boiling seawater in an attempt to make it drinkable. As their situation grew more desperate, they were forced to burn pieces of wood from their own canoe to cook their limited food supplies.

The rescue operation was initiated after the drifting fishermen managed to make contact with local fishing leaders and their families. This communication triggered a regional response, with the Beninese and Togolese navies providing initial assistance as the canoe drifted across international maritime borders. The men were eventually handed over to the Ghana Navy at the Ghana-Togo maritime boundary on October 21 for their final transport back to Ghanaian soil.

Reflecting on the experience, Nkum emphasized the importance of maritime safety and preparation for long expeditions. He urged fellow fishers to prioritize carrying backup equipment, specifically spare outboard motors, to prevent similar life-threatening emergencies. The fishermen are expected to undergo medical screenings and receive support before reuniting with their families in the Western Region.