GHANA ARMED FORCES RESCUES STRANDED FISHERMEN AT SEA

The Ghana Armed Forces has concluded its search and rescue operations which started at dawn today to locate distressed Ghanaian fishermen at sea, approximately 35 nautical miles off the coast of Gomoa Nyanyano/Senya Bereku in the Central Region. The fishermen got stranded after they were attacked by robbers who disposed the entire fishermen of their outboard motors and personal belongings. Affected boats include Argentina 2, Argentina 3, Sea Lion, and Berema Nsukwa, among others.

The Ghana Navy carried out the rescue efforts together with the Ghana Air Force supported by the local fishermen from Nyanyano/Senya Bereku general areas. Ghana Navy Special Boat Squadron with fast interceptors supported by other Ghana Navy Ships from Eastern and Western Naval Commands were key to the rescue mission which resulted in the safe evacuation from sea of 24 and 47 of the victims to Tema and Senya Bereku respectively. Interviews from the fishermen rescued indicates that no Ghanaian fisherman has been kidnapped.

Meanwhile, the Ghana Navy is continuing patrolling of Ghana’s Exclusive Economic Zone including the area in question. The Ghana Armed Forces urges all fishermen and maritime users to exercise extreme caution and report any suspicious activity as the situation is being assessed. It further acknowledges the massive and timely support of the Member of Parliament of the area, Gizella Tetteh Agbotui, the fisher folks and good people of the Senya Bereku which aided the rescue efforts.

The Ghana Navy remains fully committed to protecting Ghanaian fishermen, combating piracy and armed robbery at sea, and ensuring the safety of vessels within Ghana’s Exclusive Economic Zone.

VERONICA ADZO ARHIN
Captain (Ghana Navy)
Acting Director General Public Relations