By Mildred Siabi-Mensah, GNA
Nygeresia, (near Sekondi) Oct. 22, GNA – The Fisheries Alliance Network, in welcoming the news of the seven rescued Ghanaian fishermen, Thursday, advised fishermen to comply with all provisions regarding their safety onshore.
Mr Kwadwo Kyei Yamoah, the Convenor, told the Ghana News Agency that thoughtful compliance to regulations may have averted the predicament endured by the crew who left the Nygeresia shore, near Sekondi, on October 9, 2026.
Mr Yamoah explained that artisanal fishers must go fishing with a sail, which has the ability to direct the wind in their favour, a flare, which gives an indication for prompt rescue and can also be used for distress calls, and a paddle for manual paddling when the outboard motor fails.
He praised the artisanal fishers at Benin, for their impressive role in the successful rescue efforts that had brought smiles on the faces of affected families, the Twin City and the nation at large.
He also acknowledged the immeasurable contributions from the Ghana Maritime Authority, local fishermen, the marine police, the Ghana Navy and the international community who helped in saving the lives of these breadwinners.
Nana Kwesi Ackon, the Chief Fisherman, Nygeresia, praised God for the rescue of the team, adding, “Our hope is to leave an unblemished legacy – God, has answered our prayers and we are grateful.”
He expressed the hope that, henceforth, the sail would become an integral part of any fishing expedition to facilitate access to help in times of distress.
Following a coordinated regional effort between the Ghana Maritime Authority, the Ghana Navy, the Togo Navy, the Benin Navy, and Regional Maritime Coordinating Centres, the fishermen were located and rescued by a combined team of the Benin Navy and a local Benin fishermen association at about 10:36 pm Ghana time on Wednesday, October 21, 2026.
The centres include CRESMAO, MMCC Zone F, MMCC Zone E, and Navy MOCs.
The seven were handed over to the Togo Navy at 11:11 pm that same night, and subsequently transferred to the Ghana Navy off Aflao at 06:49 GMT on Thursday, October 22, 2026.
The rescued crew members are currently safely aboard the GNS AFLAO, which is making its way to the Tema Fishing Harbour, while towing the retrieved canoe, according to the Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA).
Meanwhile, the GMA said it was providing accommodation for the rescued fishers, with the Ghana Armed Forces supplying them with relief items, including food and life jackets.
The crew were expected to undergo medical screening before returning to Sekondi.
GNA
Edited by Justina Hilda Paaga/Lydia Kukua Asamoah/Beatrice Savage
eporter: Mildred Siabi-Mensah
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