Helicopter search launched for seven Ghanaian fishermen stranded off Benin

A search-and-rescue operation has been launched for seven fishermen reportedly stranded in waters off Benin after their canoe developed an irreparable engine fault.

A civilian helicopter operated by TRX Aviation has departed the airport on a search mission to locate the fishermen, according to information shared by a source.

The team is reportedly working in coordination with the Marine Police and the Military Rescue Team to find the missing crew and bring them to safety.

There are growing concerns about the fishermen’s condition, as some crew members are said to be extremely weak due to a lack of food and drinking water.

Information from a contact familiar with the incident indicates that the canoe’s outboard motor developed a fault beyond repair, leaving the fishermen unable to navigate back safely without assistance.

The difficult coastal terrain in Benin is also said to have made the situation more challenging.

As part of efforts to locate the fishermen, pictures of the canoe have been circulated across fishing platforms in Benin to help identify its whereabouts.

Torgbui Napoleon Morladzah of Amutinu is also reportedly in Benin, sharing information about the missing fishermen to support the search effort.

Meanwhile, a contact familiar with the incident has alleged that some Beninese fishermen encountered the stranded crew but left without helping them. The circumstances surrounding the allegation have not been independently verified.

The search operation is continuing amid hopes that the seven fishermen will be found before their condition deteriorates further.

Authorities are yet to provide further details on the precise location of the canoe and the progress of the rescue mission.

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