Ghanaian Fishing Vessel Ambushed by Suspected Pirates, Navy Launches Probe

Mar 30, 2025 - 00:28

Accra, Ghana - 30 March, 2025 - A suspected pirate attack on a Ghanaian-registered fishing vessel, MENGXIN 1, has left three Chinese nationals kidnapped and sparked a regional security alert.

According to a statement from the Ghana Armed Forces, seven heavily armed individuals stormed the ship at approximately 5:53 PM, on Thursday, March 27, 2025, firing warning shots that sent crew members scrambling for cover.

Brigadier General E. Aggrey-Quashie, Director General of Public Relations for the Ghana Armed Forces noted in the statement that the brazen assault lasted for nearly three hours, during which the pirates corralled the crew on deck and seized their mobile phones.

He added that after their departure, the crew discovered that the Captain, Chief Mate, and Chief Engineer—all Chinese nationals—were missing and are suspected to have been kidnapped.

According to him, the Ghana Navy has launched an investigation into the incident, with the Marine Police and Naval Intelligence personnel from the Eastern Naval Command conducting initial interrogations.

The vessel has since docked safely at the Tema Fishing Harbour.

Brigadier General E. Aggrey-Quashie disclosed that in response to the attack, the Ghana Navy has shared information with neighboring countries through the ECOWAS Multinational Maritime Coordination Centre (MMCC) Zone F in Accra, under the Yaoundé Architecture for maritime security.

This collaborative effort aims to alert neighboring nations to assist in locating the kidnappers.

Read the statement from the Ghana Armed Forces below.