The Ghana Navy has rescued seven suspected Ivorian stowaways. They were found hidden in the rudder trunk of a Belgian crude oil tanker named MT Cap Felix. This rescue happened off the coast of Tema during a special maritime operation. Commodore Solomon Asiedu-Larbi confirmed the successful mission. He leads the Eastern Naval Command.
The operation began after a distress alert. This alert came from the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire. They relayed the information to Ghana on Wednesday, May 13, 2026. The MT Cap Felix, a large vessel with a gross tonnage of about 82,000 tonnes, reported the stowaways. The rudder trunk is a risky hiding place. It is located near the ship’s propeller and is essential for steering. Naval personnel boarded the Ghana Navy Ship (GNS) Achimota. They departed Tema Harbour at 19:00 hours to intercept the tanker at sea. The mission was to safely remove the individuals.
This rescue is part of Ghana's ongoing efforts to ensure maritime safety. The Gulf of Guinea faces threats like piracy and illegal migration. These activities can disrupt trade and regional stability. Large oil tankers are frequent targets for illicit activities. The safe handling of such incidents is crucial for Ghana's economy. Ghana relies heavily on its ports for international trade. The timely intervention by the Ghana Navy protects national assets. It also upholds Ghana's reputation as a secure trade partner in the region. The cost of such operations, while not publicised, reflects a commitment to security.
Commodore Asiedu-Larbi praised the collaboration. He specifically mentioned maritime stakeholders. Their timely information sharing was vital for success. "The Ghana Navy is committed to safeguarding our maritime domain," he stated, reaffirming their dedication. This commitment extends to the wider Gulf of Guinea. The goal is to combat piracy and illegal migration. These actions are considered transnational crimes. The Navy's vigilance in May 2026 demonstrates their readiness to respond to maritime threats.
The rescued individuals are all Ivorian nationals. They were found to be in good medical condition. This is remarkable given the cramped and hazardous conditions of the rudder trunk. They have since been handed over to relevant Ghanaian authorities. These include the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA). The Ghana Immigration Service (GIS) and the Marine Police will conduct further investigations. This will determine any possible legal actions. The operation underscores the complexities of international migration and security challenges.