22 Fishermen Rescued After Armed Robbery at Sea Off Senya Breku – Joint Marine Police & NADMO Operation
Twenty-two fishermen have been safely rescued following an armed robbery at sea off Senya Breku, where hijackers reportedly opened fire, stole outboard motors and generator sets, and left the victims stranded in two locally manufactured canoes.
The fishermen had set out in the early hours of Thursday, February 26, for their routine fishing expedition and were returning to shore when they were ambushed by assailants operating a black boat. The attackers allegedly fired shots to intimidate the group before seizing valuable equipment, rendering the canoes immobile and leaving the men helpless in open water.
A joint rescue operation was immediately launched following distress reports, involving the Marine Police Unit of the Ghana Police Service and the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO). All 22 fishermen were successfully located and brought safely to shore.
The Ghana Armed Forces also deployed assets at dawn, conducting a search approximately 35 nautical miles off the Senya Breku coast to ensure no additional victims remained stranded. Additional canoes linked to the incident have since been located, though no further casualties have been reported.
In a statement issued on Thursday, February 26, the Ghana Armed Forces urged the public to remain calm and assured that operations were ongoing, with further details to be shared as they become available.
The Criminal Investigations Department (CID) has commenced recording statements from the rescued fishermen as part of a full investigation into the robbery. Authorities are working to identify and apprehend the perpetrators, who remain at large.
The MP for Awutu Senya West, Hon. Gizella Tetteh-Agbotui, confirmed earlier reports of the attack and noted that security agencies including the Navy and Marine Police have been deployed to track the suspects and recover the stolen items.
The incident has heightened fear among fishing communities along the Central Region coast, where sea robbery and hijacking of fishing vessels have become increasingly reported in recent months. Fishermen often lose expensive outboard motors, generators, nets, and catches assets critical to their livelihoods in such attacks.
Local leaders, the Fisheries Commission, and coastal stakeholders have renewed calls for enhanced maritime security patrols, better surveillance along fishing corridors, improved communication between fishermen and security agencies, and stronger regional cooperation to combat transboundary sea crime.
The Ghana Police Service and Ghana Navy have reiterated their commitment to protecting lives and property at sea, urging fishermen to report suspicious vessels or activities immediately and to avoid fishing in isolated or high-risk areas until further notice.
No injuries were reported among the rescued fishermen, though many are said to be traumatised by the ordeal. Support services are being coordinated for the affected individuals and their families. Investigations remain active, with updates expected as more details emerge.
