Africa-Press – Ghana. The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has successfully concluded a search and rescue operation to evacuate Ghanaian fishermen who were stranded at sea following an attack by suspected sea robbers.
The distressed fishermen were located about 35 nautical miles off the coast of Gomoa Nyanyano and Senya Beraku in the Central Region after the operation commenced Thursday dawn.
A statement signed by Naval Captain Veronica Adzo Arhin, the Acting Director General of Public Relations, GAF, said the fishermen were attacked by robbers who made away with their outboard motors and personal belongings.
The affected fishing boats included Argentina 2, Argentina 3, Sea Lion and Berema Nsukwa.
The Ghana Navy led the rescue mission with support from the Ghana Air Force and local fishermen within the Nyanyano/Senya Beraku enclave.
The statement said the Ghana Navy Special Boat Squadron, deploying fast interceptors and supported by other naval ships from the Eastern and Western Naval Commands, played a crucial role in the operation.
The coordinated efforts resulted in the safe evacuation of 24 victims to Tema and 47 others to Senya Beraku.
Interviews conducted with the rescued fishermen revealed that no fisherman was kidnapped during the incident.
Meanwhile, the Ghana Navy has intensified patrols within Ghana’s Exclusive Economic Zone, including the affected area, as security agencies continue to assess the situation.
The Ghana Armed Forces urged fishermen and other maritime users to exercise extreme caution and promptly report any suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities.
The statement acknowledged the timely support of the Member of Parliament for the area, Madam Gizella Tetteh Agbotui, as well as the fisherfolk and residents of Senya Beraku, whose cooperation aided the rescue efforts.
The Ghana Navy reaffirmed its commitment to protecting Ghanaian fishermen, combating piracy and armed robbery at sea, and ensuring the safety of vessels operating within the country’s Exclusive Economic Zone.
