Seven Sekondi fishermen rescued in Togolese waters after 12 days

Seven crew members of the fishing canoe 'Second Chance' have been located and rescued in Togolese waters after being missing at sea for 12 days. The fishermen, who departed from the Sekondi Fishing Harbour on October 9, 2026, were found in good health despite facing severe hardships. The Western Regional Minister, Joseph Nelson, and the Executive Director of the Fisheries Commission, Prof Benjamin B. Campion, confirmed the rescue, noting that the vessel had suffered a critical engine failure that left the crew adrift.

During their nearly two-week ordeal, the crew drifted approximately 120 nautical miles from the Ghanaian coast into the territorial waters of Togo. One of the fishermen, Kwame Akyim, managed to establish contact via telephone during the crisis, reporting that the crew had run out of food and water. To survive, the men resorted to boiling seawater for drinking. Akyim also noted that several passing vessels failed to respond to their distress signals before maritime authorities eventually intervened. The search operation, which officially commenced on October 19, involved a coordinated effort between the Ghana Navy, the Marine Police, and the Togo Navy.

Authorities are currently working to facilitate the safe return of the fishermen to Ghana. The crew is receiving assistance from Togolese officials and will undergo comprehensive health examinations before being transported back home. The Ministry of Fisheries and Aquaculture has expressed its relief at the successful location of the crew and reaffirmed its commitment to enhancing safety measures for the local fishing industry to prevent similar incidents in the future.