Relief swept through coastal communities on Thursday after 59 Ghanaian fishermen safely returned to shore following a terrifying armed robbery attack at sea.
The fishermen, who were operating about 35 nautical miles off the Central Region coast, were ambushed in the early hours of Wednesday by unidentified attackers travelling in what survivors described as a mysterious “black boat.” The assailants fired warning shots before boarding the canoes and making away with outboard motors, generator sets, and personal belongings, leaving the victims stranded in deep waters.
Member of Parliament for Awutu Senya West, Gizella Tetteh-Agbotui, confirmed the rescue during an interview on The Pulse on JoyNews, stating that all the fishermen were safe despite the ordeal.
“They were robbed of their outboard motors and generator sets by a black boat. I cannot disclose the nationality of the attackers. Investigations are ongoing,” she said, citing the sensitivity of the Criminal Investigation Department probe.
Midnight ambush
The attack occurred during a routine night fishing expedition as seven canoes headed toward the Nyanyano side of the coast. The pirates targeted high-value equipment, successfully seizing seven outboard motors and disabling the vessels.
The stranded fishermen drifted in different directions before eventually making landfall. Four boats arrived at Senya Beraku, two reached Tema, while another was traced to Chorkor.
Officials from the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) and the Criminal Investigation Department were on the ground to document the victims and coordinate assistance.
Medical checks and calls for security
Despite the violence, none of the fishermen sustained serious injuries. They underwent health screenings before being reunited with their families.
“But they are all fine… everybody is safe,” the MP assured.
The incident has renewed concerns about maritime security, with fresh calls for increased patrols by the Ghana Navy to protect artisanal fishermen who venture far offshore in search of catch.
Investigations into the attackers and the identity of the “black boat” are ongoing.
