Seven fishermen from Sekondi went missing after departing on 9 October 2026 for a fishing expedition off the coast of Axim. The group set out with the intention of conducting routine fishing operations in the waters near Axim, but their journey took a perilous turn shortly after their departure. Their canoe, named Second Chance, suffered engine failure and drifted into Togolese and Beninese waters before local fishermen in Benin rescued the group at approximately 10 p.m. On Wednesday, 21 October 2026. Prof. Benjamin B. Campion, Executive Director of the Fisheries Commission, 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."
Disappearance and Initial Search Efforts
Nana Kweku Atta reported the disappearance of the seven fishermen to the Fishing Harbour Police Station in Sekondi on 18 October 2026. This action followed the departure of the group on their fishing expedition nine days earlier. The report triggered a period of uncertainty for the families of the crew members, who had not received communication since the vessel encountered mechanical issues. Prof. Benjamin B. Campion, Executive Director of the Fisheries Commission, provided an update regarding the status of the men after they were located. He stated, "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." Authorities continue to track the progress of the rescue as the group prepares to return to Ghana. The coordination between Ghanaian officials and the local rescuers in Benin has been essential in ensuring the safe recovery of the vessel and its crew.
Identities of Rescued Fishermen
The seven rescued individuals have been identified as Kofi Emmanuel, 32, and Uncle Amoah, 45. Other members of the crew include 29-year-old Kwamena Nkum, 36-year-old Kofi Aboagye, 35-year-old Doboa, 42-year-old Agya Badu, and 40-year-old Kwamena Akyem. The identification of the crew was confirmed following the initial contact made by the boat owner, Nana Kweku Atta.
Preliminary investigations conducted following the rescue indicate the vessel traveled a significant distance from its intended route. The canoe drifted more than 120 nautical miles from the area where the crew initially encountered engine failure. This substantial drift notes the challenges faced by the crew while they were stranded at sea without propulsion. Authorities are currently documenting these findings as the group prepares for their transit back to Ghana. The focus remains on finalizing the logistics for their safe return to Sekondi.
