More people feared trapped in a sunken vessel.

New-Takoradi, March 9, - GNA - A Nigerian bound vessel MV Avijaja, which was forced to berth at the New-Takoradi anchorage on Friday, after developing engine problems and latter attacked and ransacked by about 200 people sank on Sunday.

The body of a young man yet to be identified and suspected to be among those who attacked the vessel and its seven-member crew with offensive weapons and went into hiding in the vessel, was washed ashore later. Some fishermen who spoke to the Ghana News Agency on Tuesday believe that more people who might have gone into hiding in some compartments of the vessel to avoid arrest during a Police-Port Security action, to flush out the invaders were still trapped in the sunken vessel.

Police Superintendent Emmanuel Dorvlo, in-charge of the Port Police Unit said, seven youths whose ages were between 14 and 27 years, and were arrested during the fierce struggle with the police had been granted bail with surety would be put before court during the week.

He gave their names as Andrews Forson, alias Paapa Sikayena, Christopher Ansah, alias Kwame Andoh, Daniel Arthur, alias Kojo Asuon, Kwesi Ninion, Joseph Sam alias Egya Kobena Esuon, Kojo Bentil, and Paul Edzie alias Magya.

Mr. Dorvlo told the GNA on Friday that Mr. Philip Prempeh Addoqyuaye was the captain of the vessel that left the Takoradi port to Nigeria on Thursday with broken bottles as its cargo.

It developed an engine problems and the captain decided to return to Takoradi, but as the problems worsened it berthed at the New-Takoradi anchorage.

About 200 people, mostly youth, who arrived in canoes, attacked the crew who had four passengers with them and dismantled the engine of the vessel, took away scraps, diesel engines and other items.

The police managed to retrieve some of the items that were hidden in "Chorkor" fish smokers along the New-Takoradi beach.

Mr. Dorvlo could not tell immediately where the body of the young man was and said although the police have heard of the death, no one had reported it to them.

He said the suspects who have been granted bail with sureties would be put before court.