38 fishermen rescued following suspected pirate attack at Senya Breku

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38 fishermen rescued

Thirty-eight (38) fishermen have been successfully rescued following a report of a suspected pirate attack.

Earlier reports suggest that some fishermen have been attacked at sea and left stranded after armed hijackers allegedly opened fire and made away with outboard motors.

According to the report, the incident occurred at  Senya Breku in the Central Region.

Reports detailed that the victims set out to fish in the early hours of Thursday, February 26, and while reportedly returning to shore, they were attacked.

The fishermen were attacked by the assailants, who were said to be operating a black boat, and they launched the attack.

Gizella Tetteh-Agbotui, the Member of Parliament for Awutu Senya West, speaking to the media, confirmed the incident.

According to that MP, the attackers targeted fishermen operating seven canoes.

“There was an armed attack at sea. Our fishermen usually go out at night and return early in the morning. Those who went toward the Nyanyano side were reportedly attacked.

“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.

“The military, the IGP has also dispatched a military marine police unit to help. So the navy is helping, and the marine police are also helping us,” she added.

Following the news of the attack, reports by citinews reveal thirty-eight (38) fishermen have since been successfully rescued.

However, JOYNEWS are also reporting only 22 fishermen on board 2 out of the 7 fishing vessels attacked last night rescued back on shore.

Videos shared on social media by JOYNEWS show the landing site showing scenes of relief and celebration as the rescued men arrived.

In the viral video, family members, friends, and community members cheered and rushed to welcome them.

A white powder was also poured over the fishermen in a traditional show of joy and thanksgiving.

“The victims, who were in two locally manufactured canoes, were safely brought to shore by a joint rescue team comprising the Marine Police and the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO).

The operation was launched after reports emerged that several fishermen had been left stranded at sea following the attack”, citinews report stated.

Also, the Ghana Armed Forces, in a statement issued on Thursday, February 26, has announced they have launched a search operation at dawn off the coast of Senya Breku.

The operation is aimed at rescuing any remaining victims.

The Ghana Armed Forces urged the public to remain calm and assured that further details would be shared as they become available.

Additionally, the Criminal Investigations Department has also begun recording statements from the rescued fishermen.

Watch the video below: