Seven fishermen from Sekondi remain under observation after going missing during a fishing expedition that began on 9 October 2026. Prof Benjamin B. Campion, Executive Director of the Fisheries Commission, confirmed the group has been located and is currently being processed for their return. The seven fishermen from Sekondi went missing after departing on a fishing expedition on October 9, 2026, which was intended to be a routine trip.
Regarding the recovery efforts, Prof Benjamin B. Campion stated: "I, the Executive Director has not spoken with them directly, but I have been coordinating with the boat owner (from Sekondi), and he has spoken with them directly. They've been in touch with the French authorities, [but] because of language barrier, we are not yet sure which of the French authorities whether Benin or Togo, but they are being brought to shore and then they will now come by land after examination of their health condition."
Disappearance and Initial Search
Nana Kweku Atta, the owner of the canoe, reported the missing crew to the Fishing Harbour Police Station in Sekondi on 18 October 2026. The canoe owner, Nana Kweku Atta, reported the missing crew to the Fishing Harbour Police Station in Sekondi on October 18, 2026, to initiate official search protocols. The seven fishermen identified in the incident are Kofi Emmanuel, 32, Uncle Amoah, 45, Kwamena Nkum, 29, Kofi Aboagye, 36, Doboa, 35, Agya Badu, 42, and Kwamena Akyem, 40. The seven fishermen were identified as Kofi Emmanuel (32), Uncle Amoah (45), Kwamena Nkum (29), Kofi Aboagye (36), Doboa (35), Agya Badu (42), and Kwamena Akyem (40).
The canoe experienced engine failure while at sea, leaving the crew stranded. The canoe suffered engine failure and drifted into Togolese and Beninois waters for 12 days. Following the mechanical breakdown, the vessel drifted into Togolese and Beninois waters for 12 days. Local fishermen discovered the group and conducted a rescue on 22 October 2026 at 10 pm within Benin territorial waters. The fishermen were rescued on October 22, 2026, at 10 pm in Benin territorial waters by local fishermen.
Prof Benjamin B. Campion, Executive Director of the Fisheries Commission, provided an update on their current status after the rescue, stating: "for now they are very safe. Our major concern was their health and safety because they had run out of resources, but now they are okay, they have been given food, water and therefore we are just waiting for them to get on land." The Fisheries Commission continues to monitor the situation as the crew awaits further medical assessment upon their return to land. The coordination between the boat owner, Nana Kweku Atta, and the authorities remains ongoing to ensure the safe transit of the seven individuals back to Sekondi. Prof Benjamin B. Campion noted that the priority remains the physical well-being of the crew members following their extended time at sea.
