The Ghana Maritime Authority (GMA) has dismissed reports of fatalities in the Elmina fishing harbour incident that occurred on Monday, August 18, 2025.

Contrary to media reports suggesting that about 23 crew members were affected and that eight individuals had died, the Authority has described such claims as false and misleading.

In a statement released on Thursday, August 21, 2025, and sighted by GhanaWeb Business, the GMA confirmed that all 27 crew members and fishers aboard the affected vessel are alive and accounted for.

“Contrary to claims circulating in sections of the media and on social platforms, there were no fatalities. Reports alleging the loss of eight lives are entirely false. All twenty-seven (27) crew members and fishers involved are safe and have been accounted for. The caretaker of the vessel, Edward Essien, confirmed to the GMA’s Elmina Office that he and all persons on board escaped unhurt,” the statement read.

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However, preliminary investigations by the Authority indicate that operator error, particularly excessive speed led to a loss of control and the subsequent crash.

Despite the impact, all individuals on board managed to swim safely to shore, with only minor bruises reported.



The vessel, however, sustained significant damage and later sank during a towing operation. Fishing gear on board was also lost.

The Authority reiterated that the vessel’s caretaker, Edward Essien, confirmed to the Elmina Office that he and the remaining crew members were unharmed.

It further noted that investigations are ongoing, focusing on the cause of the collision and the operator’s license status.

“The Ghana Maritime Authority treats all marine incidents with the utmost seriousness. We encourage the public and media to seek confirmation from official sources before sharing information,” it added.

SP/MA



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