Seven more survivors of sunken boat rescued

TEMA, Ghana, September 28 -- Seven more of the 22 fishermen, who were on "MV Resurrection" that sunk last Sunday, have been rescued bringing the total number of survivors to 10. This means that 12 are still missing, according to Mr Moses Tettegah, Captain of the vessel. The seven, who were rescued at Dzita, near Keta in the Volta Region on Monday, hanged on the corks of their fishing net for 36 hours before they were rescued by a group of canoe fishermen on the high seas. They are Tettegah, 48, Godwin Dzotopeh 44, and John Ampah, 35, first, second and third captain, in that order.

The others are George Ayittey, 40, Delashie Dzokoto, 40, both sailors, Kofi Atippoe, 48, fisherman and Kwasi Yowetu, 44, boatswain. They looked very worn-out, weak and tired and are receiving medical attention at the Tema General Hospital 18 miles from Accra.

The three survivors, who brought the message about the accident on Sunday evening, after some canoe fishermen saved them, are Mensah Amudzi Deku, Charles Bleboo and Kwame Akakpo.

According to Capt. Tettegah, there were a total of 22 people on the vessel. He said the accident occurred at about 60 fathoms (110.8 metres) deep sea near Ningo, in the Greater Accra Region and the boat finally sunk on Sunday morning.

He said when the boat started taking in water they tried to keep it afloat by using the two pumping machines to pump out the water from morning to evening until both machines broke down.

Capt. Tettegah said they finally ended up close to Dzita in the Volta Region, when a canoe rescued them and took them to a clinic at Anyanui in the Volta region before bringing them to Ada Foah.

On the fate of the others, Capt. Tettegah said they all scattered when the accident occurred leaving each person to his fate.

Meanwhile, family members have started crowding the Tema General Hospital to find out if their relatives are among the survivors. Those who found their relatives were jubilating while others were mourning.