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Maritime Authority Blames Operator Error in Elmina Incident

The regulator says all 27 crew members survived the canoe collision

by Otobong Tommy
Maritime Authority Blames Operator Error in Elmina Incident

KEY POINTS


  • GMA blames speeding and operator error for crash.
  • All 27 crew survived Elmina Fishing Harbour incident.
  • Vessel sank during towing; crane recovery underway.

The Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA) has blamed operator error for a marine incident at the Elmina Fishing Harbour on August 18, ruling out earlier social media claims that eight people had died.

In a statement issued Thursday, the regulator said speeding and loss of control caused the collision. It confirmed that all 27 crew members and fishers aboard survived, a fact verified by the vessel’s caretaker, Edward Essien.

Canoe hit harbour sea defence structure

Preliminary findings showed the canoe struck a sea defence structure at the wharf entrance shortly after departure. All crew managed to swim to shore with only minor bruises. The vessel, however, later sank during a towing attempt, causing the loss of fishing gear.

Recovery efforts underway after sinking

By Thursday morning, the owners had brought in a crane to retrieve the wreck. The GMA said the incident highlights the need for compliance with safety rules and operator awareness in Ghana’s busy fishing harbours.

Authority warns against false reports

While emphasizing that no fatalities occurred, the regulator expressed concern over unverified reports circulating online. “The Ghana Maritime Authority treats all marine incidents with the utmost seriousness. While we are thankful that no lives were lost, we remain concerned about the spread of unverified reports that cause needless fear and distress,” the statement said.

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