Alleged collision between GPHA boat and fishing boat resulting in 2 fatalities

The Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority (GPHA) has taken note of media reports allegedly having to do with an encounter between a GPHA Boat and a fishing boat in the early hours of Thursday, July 27, 2023, resulting in the unfortunate death of two fishermen, and wish to clarify that:

1. There was never a collision between the Security Patrol Boat and any fishing boat whatsoever.

2. That the Port Control Station on Wednesday, July 26, 2023, at about 0030HRS received a distress call from MV. SEASPAN DUBAI, for assistance to ward off several fishing boats which had surrounded their vessel. The security patrol team which comprises the Ghana Navy, Marine Police, and GPHA Security timeously responded, cautioned, and asked the said fishing boats to leave.

3. That at 0118HRS MT. MARINA ‘M’ which was also at the anchorage, also called the Port Control Station for assistance to ward off a suspicious-looking fishing boat with about nine occupants. The team again responded by cautioning and directing the boat and its occupants to row out.

4. On their way back, the Patrol Team chanced upon another set of fishermen who had cast their nets and were fishing within the Terminal 3 basin, close to a container vessel. The nets were seized, and the men were cautioned and led out of the basin.

5. All patrol activities were halted at 0455HRS on Thursday, July 27, without any incident of collision whatsoever.

6. A call from the Fishing Harbour Police Unit, announced the discovery of 2 dead bodies, which the fishermen had refused the police team to convey, with the assertion that, the 2 died as a result of a collision with a GPHA tugboat, an outright untruth.

7. That even though the fishermen are aware of the dangers of fishing within the port basin and anchorage, some continue to carry out these illegal activities at the peril of their own lives and that of vessels and cargo.

8. That despite these infractions, on occasions where we arrest fishermen and seize their nets, the Chief Fisherman and Elders are notified, and often the culprits are pardoned, and nets released without any fines.

9. We wish to emphasize that GPHA is a responsible organization involved in search and rescue missions and as such will not abandon victims of a collision even if it involved our own craft.

10. That the Port Authority regrets the unfortunate passing of the 2, and extends its sincere condolences to their families and colleagues.

SIGNED

ABENA SERWAA OPOKU FOSU

MARKETING &PUBLIC AFFAIRS MANAGER, TEMA