Seven Ghanaian fishermen return to Tema through multinational rescue

Seven Ghanaian fishermen who were missing at sea for 14 days have safely returned to Tema following a coordinated rescue operation in international waters. The group, who departed from Sekondi on October 9, 2026, was eventually located in Beninese waters after their vessel suffered a mechanical failure. Their successful return marks the end of a harrowing ordeal that sparked a multinational search effort across the Gulf of Guinea.

The fishermen, identified as Kofi Emmanuel, Uncle Amoah, Kwamena Nkum, Kofi Aboagye, Doboa, Agya Badu, and Kwamena Akyem, were on a routine trip to Axim when their canoe's engine failed. Adrift and unable to signal for help, the crew faced desperate conditions as their supplies dwindled. The men reportedly ran out of food and water only five days into their journey, leaving them to survive for nine additional days without sustenance while drifting far from the Ghanaian coast.

A collaborative effort involving the Beninese and Togolese navies ultimately led to their discovery. Once located in Beninese maritime territory, the fishermen were secured and later handed over to the Ghana Navy for their final journey back to Tema. This regional cooperation proved vital in ensuring the men were found before the situation became fatal, demonstrating the importance of maritime partnerships between West African neighbors.

Upon their arrival at the Tema port, the group was met with relief by maritime officials and relatives who had been waiting for news of their fate. While the fishermen are in stable condition, the incident has highlighted the significant dangers faced by local fishing crews operating without modern safety equipment or backup propulsion. Authorities are expected to review safety measures for artisanal vessels to prevent similar occurrences in the future.