Ghana Maritime Authority, GPHA successfully coordinate medical evacuation at sea

The Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA), in collaboration with the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA), has successfully carried out a complex medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) operation involving a crew member aboard a supertanker navigating off the coast of Ghana.

The operation, which took place on June 5, 2025, highlights Ghana’s growing capability and commitment to international maritime safety standards.

According to the GMA, the National Search and Rescue (SAR) Centre, hosted by the Authority, received the distress call at 5:13 p.m. on June 4, 2025.

The vessel, a heavily laden supertanker en route to Spain, was located more than 100 nautical miles off the Ghanaian coast.

“In line with international search and rescue protocols, the GMA immediately activated an emergency response plan with the support of the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority. The Ghana Navy was also placed on standby in case their intervention became necessary,” a statement signed by Issah Issahaku, Corporate Communications Officer for GMA read.

Due to the significant distance from shore, the rescue team maintained continuous communication with the vessel and successfully guided it towards a pre-agreed rendezvous point closer to the coast.

“A GPHA rescue vessel intercepted the tanker at the designated location and successfully evacuated the affected crew member, who was subsequently transported to receive the required medical attention,” the statement mentioned.

This marks the second joint MEDEVAC operation conducted by the GMA and GPHA within a short period. In November 2024, the two agencies successfully coordinated the evacuation of two critically ill passengers from the Italian cruise liner Costa Smeralda while it was transiting Ghanaian waters en route to Namibia.

“The successful evacuation of the 82-year-old and another passenger in November was a proud moment for Ghana. It demonstrated our readiness to respond swiftly to international SAR calls,” the statement noted.

The GMA emphasised that these operations reflect Ghana’s commitment to its international maritime obligations, particularly under the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC), which prioritises the welfare and safety of seafarers.

Minister for Transport, Joseph Bukari Nikpe, commended the joint efforts of the GMA and GPHA, praising their professionalism and timely response.

"These heroic efforts underscore the government’s commitment to enhancing Ghana’s search and rescue capabilities," the sector minister stated.

"We will continue to support and strengthen collaboration among relevant ministries and agencies to ensure that Ghana’s maritime domain remains safe and responsive to emergencies," he added.

Despite persistent challenges in national SAR capacity, both the GMA and GPHA have expressed satisfaction with the success of recent missions and reaffirmed their dedication to improving maritime safety within Ghana’s territorial waters.

"Our mission is clear; we will continue to prioritize the safety of all seafarers and provide swift responses to maritime emergencies in line with our global responsibilities," the Authority assured.

The GMA called for continuous investment in Ghana’s SAR infrastructure and pledged to work closely with local and international partners to bolster the country’s readiness to manage emergencies at sea.

MA

How social engineering hacks your mind and your bank account