Safety of Missing Crew Members Confirmed After Pirate Attack on Ghanaian Vessel

Three Chinese crew members missing from the Ghanaian fishing vessel MENGXIN1 after a suspected pirate attack are now confirmed safe. The attack occurred on Thursday evening when armed assailants boarded the vessel. Ghana’s authorities launched an investigation into the incident, which highlights the persistent piracy threat in the Gulf of Guinea.

On a recent Thursday evening, a Ghanaian-registered fishing vessel named MENGXIN1 was reportedly attacked by seven armed individuals who discharged warning shots. The Ghanaian armed forces indicated that the attackers boarded the ship for approximately three hours, gathering the crew on deck and confiscating their mobile phones. Despite the chaos, some crew members successfully hid from the assailants.

Following the incident, the crew discovered that their captain, chief mate, and chief engineer were missing. The vessel subsequently docked at Tema Fishing Harbour, prompting Ghana’s navy to initiate an investigation into what has been classified as a suspected pirate attack. The distressing event raised concerns regarding piracy, a persistent threat in the Gulf of Guinea where commercial and fishing vessels are frequently targeted.

On the bright side, the Chinese foreign ministry confirmed that three Chinese crew members who had been reported missing after the attack are now safe, although specifics regarding their recovery remain undisclosed. The Chinese embassy in Accra has opted not to comment further on the situation. Additionally, a ministry spokesperson reassured that China will collaborate with Ghana to ensure the safety of its citizens within the region.

Maritime experts note that numerous Chinese-owned vessels operate under Ghanaian flags in search of fish in Ghanaian waters, highlighting the prevalence of piracy in the area. Authorities in Ghana are dedicated to continuing their investigation into this alarming incident and reinforcing safety measures for seafarers.

The incident involving the Ghanaian-registered vessel MENGXIN1 exemplifies the ongoing threat of piracy in the Gulf of Guinea. While three missing crew members have been confirmed safe, the situation underscores the hazards faced by commercial and fishing vessels in this region. Both Ghanaian and Chinese authorities are working together to enhance the safety of their maritime operations and protect those at sea.

Original Source: www.marineinsight.com