By: Ashiadey Dotse
Thirty-eight fishermen have been rescued after they were attacked and robbed at sea near Senya Breku in the Central Region.
The fishermen, who were travelling in two locally made canoes, were brought safely to shore by a joint rescue team made up of the Marine Police and the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO).
The rescue operation began after reports said several fishermen had been left stranded at sea following an attack by armed men.
According to initial information, the fishermen had gone out to fish in the early hours of Thursday, February 26. While returning to shore, they were reportedly ambushed by suspected hijackers in a black boat.
The attackers allegedly fired gunshots and stole outboard motors and generator sets from the canoes, leaving the fishermen helpless on the water.
The incident has increased fear among fishing communities along the coast, as such attacks are said to be on the rise.
Authorities have since located additional canoes connected to the incident.
Meanwhile, the Ghana Armed Forces launched a search operation at dawn, about 35 nautical miles off the coast of Senya Breku, to rescue any other possible victims who may still be stranded at sea.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the security services urged the public to remain calm and assured that, more information would be shared soon.
The Criminal Investigations Department has started taking statements from the rescued fishermen as investigations continue.
