Seven fishermen are reportedly missing after two fishing boats capsized in an estuary while attempting to enter the Volta River on Thursday, September 14.
The National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) in Ada has confirmed the incident.
According to NADMO, the ill-fated boats had a total of 19 occupants at the time of the incident, 12 of them fortunate enough to be rescued from the turbulent waters.
The Public Relations Officer of Ada East NADMO, Dan-Doe, identified the boats involved as ‘Shalorm’ and ‘Barcelona.’
“These two fishing boats went fishing and were returning when they encountered a sudden tidal wave, causing both boats to capsize. The first boat, ‘Shalorm’, was reported to have carried eleven individuals on board. Presently, we have located 10 survivors, leaving one person unaccounted for.
“Regarding the second boat, eight individuals were on board. Two have been located and rescued, while six remain missing,” he indicated.
He assured that NADMO, in collaboration with the Navy and the local community search team, is continuing its efforts to locate the missing fishermen.
In recent months, communities along river banks have been left in mourning as a disturbing surge in river drowning incidents has taken centre stage.
The very waters that once offered solace and recreational opportunities have transformed into a treacherous foe, claiming lives.
According to WHO, globally, drowning is the third leading cause of unintentional injury death. It is responsible for about 7% of all deaths due to injuries.
Annually, about 240,000 people die due to drowning.
In 2018 alone, drowning deaths in Ghana reached 1,206 or 0.60% of total deaths.
Researchers from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) revealed that a total of 1,449 drowning cases were recorded in the last three years.