Marine Police search for missing canoe and seven crew members off Western coast

The Western Regional Marine Police Command is coordinating a multi-agency search for a missing fishing canoe, Second Chance, and its seven crew members after the vessel failed to return from a fishing expedition off the coast of Axim.

The search operation involves the Ghana Navy, Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA), Fisheries Commission, coastal police stations and fishing communities along the coast.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, and signed by Chief Superintendent of Police Olivia Et Adiku, Head of the Western Regional Police Public Affairs Unit, the Police said the canoe’s owner, Nana Kweku Atta, reported the disappearance at the Fishing Harbour Police Station in Sekondi on October 18.

According to the report, Second Chance departed the Sekondi Fishing Harbour on October 9 for a fishing expedition offshore Axim but had not returned by the time the complaint was lodged.

Preliminary investigations indicate that repeated attempts to contact the seven crew members have been unsuccessful, raising concerns about their safety.

A subsequent update suggested that the canoe might have experienced engine failure and drifted towards Tema and the Volta coast.

However, authorities have yet to establish the vessel’s last known position, making it difficult to determine its exact location and narrow the search area.

The uncertainty has prompted the Marine Police to coordinate search efforts across multiple coastal locations, with relevant maritime and security agencies alerted to assist.

The Western Naval Command, Ghana Maritime Authority, Fisheries Commission, coastal police stations and chief fishermen have been notified to support the operation.

The Eastern Naval Command in Tema has also been informed to help locate the missing canoe and its crew, particularly in view of reports that the vessel may have drifted eastwards.

The Marine Police said it was working closely with the relevant agencies to establish the canoe’s last known position and determine its whereabouts.

Fishing communities and coastal residents have been urged to report any sightings or information that could assist the search to the nearest police station.

Authorities have also appealed to fishermen operating along the coast to remain alert and share any credible information that could help locate Second Chance and its seven crew members.

The seven fishermen remain unaccounted for as the coordinated search continues.

The Police have called on members of the public to cooperate with the ongoing operation, stressing the importance of timely and reliable information in efforts to locate the missing vessel and establish the fate of its crew.