The Ghana Navy has rescued seven suspected Ivorian stowaways from a large oil tanker. The rescue happened off the coast of Tema. The ship involved was the MT Cap Felix. It is registered in Belgium.
Commodore Solomon Asiedu-Larbi led the operation. He is in charge of the Eastern Naval Command. The rescue was carried out by the Ghana Navy Ship Achimota. This happened around 200 nautical miles south of Tema Harbour. The mission began after a distress alert. Information came from the maritime rescue centre in Abidjan. It was relayed to Ghana's Maritime Operations Centres on Wednesday, May 13, 2026.
The MT Cap Felix is a crude oil tanker. It has a gross tonnage of about 82,000 tonnes. The ship reported that people were hiding in its rudder trunk. This compartment is vital for steering the ship. It is extremely dangerous for stowaways. The Ghana Navy Ship Achimota left Tema Harbour that evening. It intercepted the tanker at sea. Naval personnel found all seven suspects alive.
The rescued individuals are believed to be Ivorian nationals. They apparently come from a Ghanaian community in Ivory Coast. The suspects boarded the tanker secretly. This happened when it was anchored in Ivory Coast. Abidjan was its last official stop. Despite the hazardous conditions, the seven men were in good health. They were taken to Tema Harbour on the naval ship.
These individuals have been handed over to the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority. The Ghana Immigration Service is also involved. The Marine Police will conduct further investigations. There may be legal action taken against them. This incident points to challenges in maritime border control. It also highlights the dangers faced by those attempting to travel illegally by sea.
Commodore Asiedu-Larbi stressed the Navy's commitment. They are dedicated to protecting Ghana's waters. This includes the wider Gulf of Guinea region. Their efforts aim to combat piracy and illegal migration. They also work against other transnational crimes. He thanked all involved maritime groups. Their cooperation and timely sharing of information were key. The operation showcases Ghana's role in regional maritime security.