22 fishermen feared drowned

About 22 Ghanaian fishermen are feared drowned at sea off the Ghanaian coast following the sinking of their boat during an expedition Sunday.

The number of people who were on the 50-footer vessel, "TM 162 Resurrection" that has the capacity for 25, is not known.

The Ghana Navy has sent a team to look for survivors near the fishing town of Prampram, about 50 km east of Accra.

The owners, Wonderful Jesus Fishing Company, have also sent another vessel "Wonderful Jesus Number One" with 30 fishermen on board to assist in the rescue mission.

The Ghana Ports Authority tugboat failed in its attempt to locate the vessel after two hours search when three survivors, who were on the only lifeboat, brought the sad news at about 17.30 GMT Sunday.

The accident has thrown the Tema Fishing Harbour into a state of mourning. No fishing vessel has gone to sea since Monday morning.

The vessel went on the expedition Saturday not only without sufficient lifejackets but also without any communication gadget.