Search Launched for Seven Ghanaian Fishermen Stranded off Benin

A coordinated search-and-rescue operation has been launched for seven Ghanaian fishermen stranded at sea after an engine failure left their canoe drifting towards waters off Benin.

The crew departed Sekondi Fishing Harbour on Friday, October 9, 2026, aboard a canoe named Second Chance for a fishing trip off Axim. They failed to return as expected after the vessel’s outboard motor developed a fault they could not repair.

During brief telephone contact, the fishermen reported that strong currents had carried them more than 120 nautical miles offshore, leaving them unable to reach safety.

Concerns about their condition have intensified after more than a week at sea. Crew member Kwame Akyim said in a telephone interview with TV3 News that their food and drinking water had run out.

He said the men had resorted to eating raw fish and attempting to drink boiled seawater. Boiling alone does not remove salt from seawater or make it safe to drink.

Some crew members were reportedly becoming increasingly weak, with at least one experiencing severe stomach pain.

The fishermen also alleged that several commercial vessels had passed without responding to their distress signals. They appealed for urgent assistance as their supplies dwindled and conditions aboard the canoe deteriorated.

A civilian helicopter operated by TRX Aviation has been deployed to help locate the vessel. The aerial search is being coordinated with the Ghana Navy, Marine Police and a military rescue team.

Beninese fishermen have also joined efforts to find the stranded crew, drawing appreciation from local authorities for their assistance.

The immediate priority is to locate the drifting canoe and bring all seven fishermen to safety.

Omanghana is an online news portal that provides readers around the world with a greater focus on Ghana and other parts of Africa. Established in 2009, Omanghana regularly publishes articles related to News, Sports, and Entertainment.

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