Efforts are underway to repatriate seven fishermen aboard the canoe Second Chance who were reported missing at sea but have since been rescued in Benin’s territorial waters.
The crew’s disappearance prompted a multi-agency search after the canoe failed to return from a fishing expedition off Axim in the Western Region.
The canoe reportedly departed Sekondi Fishing Harbour on October 9 but suffered an engine failure, leaving the fishermen drifting offshore.
The Western Regional Marine Police Command said in a statement dated October 22 that the seven men were rescued by local fishermen in Benin on October 21 at about 10 pm.
The rescued fishermen have been identified as Kofi Emmanuel, 32; Uncle Amoah, 45; Kwamena Nkum, 29; Kofi Aboagye, 36; Doboa, 35; Agya Badu, 42; and Kwamena Akyem, 40.
“The coordination is ongoing between the Marine Police Command, Ghana Navy and their counterparts in Benin and Togo to facilitate their safe repatriation to Ghana,” the statement said.
The Command added that further updates would be communicated as more information became available. The rescue brings relief to the fishermen’s families as arrangements continue for their safe return home.