The Western Regional Marine Police Command is coordinating a multi-agency search for a missing fishing canoe, Second Chance, and its seven crew members after the vessel failed to return from a fishing expedition off Axim.
The search involves the Ghana Navy, Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA), Fisheries Commission and fishing communities along the coast.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, and signed by Chief Superintendent of Police Olivia Et Adiku, Head of the Public Affairs Unit of the Western Region, the Police said the canoe’s owner, Nana Kweku Atta, reported the disappearance at the Fishing Harbour Police Station in Sekondi on October 18.
According to the report, the canoe departed Sekondi Fishing Harbour on October 9 for a fishing expedition offshore Axim but had not returned.
Preliminary investigations indicate that repeated attempts to contact the crew have been unsuccessful.
A subsequent update suggested that the canoe might have suffered engine failure and drifted towards Tema and the Volta coast. However, its last known position has yet to be confirmed.
The uncertainty over the vessel’s location has prompted authorities to coordinate search efforts across several coastal areas.
The Western Naval Command, Ghana Maritime Authority, Fisheries Commission, relevant coastal police stations and chief fishermen have been alerted to assist in the search.
The Eastern Naval Command in Tema has also been notified to support efforts to locate the vessel and its crew.
The Marine Police said it was working with the relevant agencies to establish the canoe’s last known position and determine its whereabouts.
Fishing communities along the coast have been urged to report any sightings or information that could help the search to the nearest police station.
The seven crew members remain unaccounted for as the search continues.
Authorities have appealed to members of the public, particularly fishermen and coastal residents, to share any credible information that could help locate Second Chance and its crew.