Two weeks after the suspected kidnapping of three crew members from the Ghanaian-flagged fishing vessel, Mengxin 1, there is still no information on their whereabouts, according to Ghana’s Naval Operations.
The victims, all Chinese nationals, include the vessel’s captain, chief mate, and chief engineer.
The incident occurred offshore when seven armed men boarded the ship on Thursday, 27 March 2025, around 17:53 hours, firing warning shots and holding the crew hostage for nearly three hours.
At a press briefing aboard the French Offshore Patrol Vessel, Ducuing, currently docked at Tema Port, Director of Naval Operations Captain (GN) Ebenezer Kwame Yirenkyi stated that investigations are ongoing, but no concrete leads have been found.
“Our teams are actively pursuing all available intelligence channels to locate the kidnapped crew and identify the attackers,” Captain Yirenkyi said.
He urged national security agencies to assist in identifying potential pirate suspects who may be operating from the coastline.
Survivors recounted how the armed attackers forced the crew on deck, seized mobile phones, and stayed aboard for hours before departing with the three senior officers.
The remaining crew had to move the vessel closer to shore before reporting the incident due to poor offshore network coverage.
In a show of support, Colonel Grégoire Madellin from the French Embassy pledged France’s continued assistance to Ghana in maritime security efforts.
He highlighted the readiness of French naval assets in the Gulf of Guinea to assist in anti-piracy operations.
“France remains committed to strengthening maritime security partnerships across West Africa and fully supports Ghana in its fight against piracy and maritime crime,” said Colonel Madellin.
This case has intensified concerns over safety in the Gulf of Guinea, a region already considered one of the world’s most dangerous maritime zones.
The abduction of foreign nationals from Ghanaian vessels also casts a shadow on the country’s reputation as a secure maritime hub.
The Ghana Navy has reassured families and the public that every effort is being made to locate the missing seamen and bring those responsible to justice.